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arXiv · 1706.06388

Stabilization of a laser on a large-detuned atomic-reference frequency by resonant interferometry

Abstract

We report a simple technique for stabilization of a laser frequency at the wings of an atomic resonance. The reference signal used for stabilization issues from interference effects obtained in a low-quality cavity filled with a resonant atomic vapour. For a frequency detuned at 2.6 GHz from the $^{133}$Cs D$_2$ 6S$_{1/2}$ F=4 to 6P$_{3/2}$ F'= 5 transition, the fractional frequency Allan deviation is $10^{-8}$ for averaging times of 300 s, corresponding to a frequency deviation of 4 MHz. Adequate choice of the atomic density and of the cell thickness allows locking the laser at detunings larger than 10 GHz. Such a simple technique does not require magnetic fields or signal modulation.

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Priscila M. T. Barboza, Guilherme G. Nascimento, Michelle O. Araújo, Cícero M. da Silva, Hugo L. D. de S. Cavalcante, Marcos Oriá, Martine Chevrollier, Thierry Passerat de Silans. 2017-06-20. Stabilization of a laser on a large-detuned atomic-reference frequency by resonant interferometry. https://doi.org/10.1088/0953-4075/49/8/085401

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