We evaluate a dual-frequency and dual-polarization optically-pumped semiconductor laser emitting at 852 nm as a new laser source for compact atomic clocks based on the coherent population trapping (CPT) technique. The frequency difference between the laser modes is tunable to 9.2 GHz corresponding to the ground state hyperfine-split of Cs. Impact of the laser noise has been investigated. Laser relative intensity noise is limited by the pump-𝑅𝐼𝑁 transfer to a level of - 110 dB/Hz. Laser frequency noise shows excess mechanical and technical noise resulting in a laser linewidth of 1 MHz at 1 s in lock operation. The noise performance and spectral properties of the laser are already adequate to realize CPT experiments and should result in Allan standard-deviation of the clock below 1 × 10-12 at 1 second.
Coherent population trapping (CPT) is an interesting technique for the development of compact atomic frequency references. We describe an innovating laser source for the production of the two cross-polarized coherent laser fields which are necessary in CPT-based atomic clocks. It relies on the dual-frequency and dual-polarization operation of an optically-pumped vertical external-cavity semiconductor laser. This particular laser emission is induced by intracavity birefringent components which produce a controllable phase anisotropy within the laser cavity and force emission on two cross-polarized longitudinal modes. The laser emission is tuned at the Cs D2 line (λ = 852.14 nm), and the frequency difference Δν between the two laser modes is tunable in the microwave range. The laser line wavelength is stabilized onto an atomic hyperfine transition, and concurrently the frequency difference is locked to an ultra-low noise RF oscillator at 9.2 GHz. The high spectral purity of the optically-carried microwave signal resulting from the beatnote of the two cross-polarized laser lines is assessed through its narrow spectral linewidth (<30 Hz) as well as its low phase noise (≤ -100 dBrad2/Hz). The performance of this laser source is already adequate for the interrogation of atoms in a CPT atomic clock, and should result in an estimated relative stability of 3.10-13τ-1/2 – one order of magnitude better than commercial atomic clocks.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.