Terahertz frequency standard based on three-photon coherent population trapping

TL;DR

This paper proposes a THz frequency standard using three-photon coherent population trapping in stored ions, achieving high stability and potential for long-distance signal propagation based on optical photon frequencies.

Contribution

It introduces a novel scheme for a THz frequency standard leveraging three-photon CPT in ions, with detailed analysis of stability and propagation capabilities.

Findings

Stability of 10^{-14} at one second achievable.

Power broadening limits precision to 10^{-11}.

THz signals can be propagated over long distances.

Abstract

A scheme for a THz frequency standard based on three-photon coherent population trapping in stored ions is proposed. Assuming the propagation directions of the three lasers obey the phase matching condition, we show that stability of few 10$^{-14}$ at one second can be reached with a precision limited by power broadening to $10^{-11}$ in the less favorable case. The referenced THz signal can be propagated over long distances, the useful information being carried by the relative frequency of the three optical photons.