Compact Yb$^+$ optical atomic clock project: design principle and current status

TL;DR

This paper details the design and current progress of a compact Yb$^+$ optical atomic clock utilizing micro-fabricated ion traps and advanced wavelength stabilization techniques.

Contribution

It introduces a novel compact clock design with a micro-fabricated trap and multi-channel wavelength meter for laser stabilization, advancing miniaturization of optical clocks.

Findings

Successful trap design and simulation for Yb$^+$ ions

Implementation of a multi-channel wavelength meter for laser stabilization

Characterization of diode lasers at relevant wavelengths

Abstract

We present the design of a compact optical clock based on the $^2S_{1/2} \rightarrow ^2D_{3/2}$ 435.5 nm transition in $^{171}$Yb$^+$. The ion trap will be based on a micro-fabricated circuit, with surface electrodes generating a trapping potential to localize a single Yb ion a few hundred $\mu$m from the electrodes. We present our trap design as well as simulations of the resulting trapping pseudo-potential. We also present a compact, multi-channel wavelength meter that will permit the frequency stabilization of the cooling, repumping and clear-out lasers at 369.5 nm, 935.2 nm and 638.6 nm needed to cool the ion. We use this wavelength meter to characterize and stabilize the frequency of extended cavity diode lasers at 369.5 nm and 638.6 nm.