A self-referenced optical phase noise analyzer for quantum technologies

TL;DR

This paper introduces a low-cost, all-stock component optical phase noise analyzer tailored for quantum technologies, capable of measuring phase noise spectra with a favorable noise floor compared to commercial devices, even without a highly stable reference.

Contribution

The work presents a cost-effective, simple optical phase noise analyzer suitable for quantum applications, expanding accessibility and utility in noise characterization without expensive equipment.

Findings

Achieved a low noise floor comparable to commercial analyzers.

Successfully compared two ultra-stable oscillators near 729 nm.

Demonstrated applicability without a highly stable reference.

Abstract

Second generation quantum technologies aim to outperform classical alternatives by utilizing engineered quantum systems. Maintaining the coherence required to enable any quantum advantage requires detailed knowledge and control over the noise the hosting system is subjected to. Characterizing noise processes via their power spectral density is routinely done throughout science and technology and can be a demanding task. Determining the phase noise power spectrum in leading quantum technology platforms, for example, can be either outside the reach of many phase noise analyzers, or be prohibitively expensive. In this work, we present and characterize a cost-effective optical phase noise analyzer for quantum technology applications. Using this setup we compare two $\approx1\ \rm{Hz}$ linewidth ultra-stable oscillators near $729\ \rm{nm}$, using them as references to determine and discuss the noise floor achieved in this measurement apparatus with a focus on limitations and their tradeoffs. The achieved noise floor in this implementation of a low-cost, all-stock component, low-complexity phase noise analyzer compares favourably to commercial offerings. This setup can find application in particular without a more stable reference or operational quantum system as sensor as would be the case for many component manufacturers.