Application of optical single-sideband laser in Raman atom interferometry

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates an optical single-sideband laser system for Raman atom interferometry, effectively suppressing parasitic transitions and enabling more accurate, compact atomic sensors.

Contribution

The study introduces a frequency doubled I/Q modulator-based OSSB laser system that significantly reduces parasitic sidebands in atom interferometry.

Findings

Sidebands suppressed by over 20 dB

Parasitic transitions eliminated below noise level

Enhanced accuracy and reduced complexity in atom sensors

Abstract

A frequency doubled I/Q modulator based optical single-sideband (OSSB) laser system is demonstrated for atomic physics research, specifically for atom interferometry where the presence of additional sidebands causes parasitic transitions. The performance of the OSSB technique and the spectrum after second harmonic generation are measured and analyzed. The additional sidebands are removed with better than 20 dB suppression, and the influence of parasitic transitions upon stimulated Raman transitions at varying spatial positions is shown to be removed beneath experimental noise. This technique will facilitate the development of compact atom interferometry based sensors with improved accuracy and reduced complexity.