Optical and microwave metrology at the 10-18 level with an Er/Yb:glass frequency comb

TL;DR

This paper presents a robust, cost-effective Er/Yb:glass frequency comb for precision optical and microwave metrology, demonstrating its stability and noise performance comparable to more expensive systems.

Contribution

Introduction of a new Er/Yb:glass based frequency comb architecture with high stability and low noise, suitable for advanced metrology applications.

Findings

Comparable stability and noise performance to Ti:sapphire systems

Effective in high-stability frequency synthesis

Useful in low-noise photonic microwave generation

Abstract

Optical frequency combs are an essential tool for precision metrology experiments ranging in application from remote spectroscopic sensing of trace gases to the characterization and comparison of optical atomic clocks for precision time-keeping and searches for physics beyond the standard model. Here we describe the architecture and fully characterize a telecom-band, self-modelocking frequency comb based on a free-space laser with an Er/Yb co-doped glass gain medium. The laser provides a robust and cost-effective alternative to Er:fiber laser based frequency combs, while offering stability and noise performance similar to Ti:sapphire laser systems. Finally, we demonstrate the Er/Yb:glass frequency comb's utility in high-stability frequency synthesis using two ultra-stable optical references at 1157 nm and 1070 nm and in low-noise photonic microwave generation by dividing these references to the microwave domain.