Optically loaded Strontium lattice clock with a single multi-wavelength reference cavity

TL;DR

This paper introduces a compact strontium optical clock that uses a multi-wavelength cavity for stable frequency reference, enabling long-term operation without adjustments and demonstrating promising stability and accuracy.

Contribution

The work presents a novel compact strontium optical clock utilizing a multi-wavelength cavity for frequency stabilization, improving stability and operational simplicity.

Findings

Stable operation without frequency adjustments for weeks

Low-noise clock operation achieved

Preliminary accuracy budget outlined

Abstract

We report on the realization of a new compact strontium optical clock using a 2-D magneto-optical-trap (2D-MOT) as cold atomic source and a multi-wavelength cavity as the frequency stabilization system. All needed optical frequencies are stabilized to a zero-thermal expansion high-finesse optical resonator and can be operated without frequency adjustments for weeks. We present the complete characterization of the apparatus. Optical control of the atomic source allows us to perform low-noise clock operation without atomic signal normalization. Long- and short-term stability tests of the clock have been performed for the 88 Sr bosonic isotope by means of interleaved clock operation. Finally, we present the first preliminary accuracy budget of the system.