arXiv subjects

Giorgio Santarelli

Publications and source records attributed to Giorgio Santarelli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2021

High power continuous laser at 461 nm based on a compact and high-efficiency frequency-doubling linear cavity

A Watt-level continuous and single frequency blue laser at 461 nm is obtained by frequency-doubling an amplified diode laser operating at 922 nm via a LBO crystal in a resonant Fabry-Pérot cavity. We achieved a best optical conversion efficiency equal to 87\% with more than 1 W output power in the blue, and limited by the available input power. The frequency-converted beam is characterized in terms of long term power stability, residual intensity noise, and geometrical shape. The blue beam has a linewidth of the order of 1 MHz, and we used it to magneto-optically trap $^{88}$Sr atoms on the 5s$^{2}\,^{1}$S$_0$ -- 5s5p$\,^{1}$P$_1$ transition. The low-finesse, linear-cavity doubling system is very robust, maintains the lock for several days, and is compatible with a tenfold increase of the power levels which could be obtained with fully-fibered amplifiers and large mode area fibers.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2019

Quantum cascade laser-pumped terahertz molecular lasers: frequency noise and phase-locking using a 1560nm frequency comb

The recent demonstration of a terahertz (THz) molecular gas laser pumped by a mid-infrared quantum cascade laser (QCL) has opened up new perspectives for this family of sources, traditionally relying on CO2-laser pumping. A so far open question concerning QCL-pumped THz molecular lasers (MLs) is related to their spectral purity. Indeed, assessing their frequency/phase noise is crucial for a number of applications potentially exploiting these sources as local oscillators. Here this question is addressed by reporting the measurement of the frequency noise power spectral density (PSD) of a THz ML pumped by a 10.3μm-wavelength QCL, and emitting 1mW at 1.1THz in continuous wave. This is achieved by beating the ML frequency with the 1080th harmonic of the repetition rate of a 1560nm frequency comb. We find a frequency noise PSD < 10Hz2/Hz (-95dBc/Hz) at 100kHz from the carrier. To demonstrate the effect of the stability of the pump laser on the spectral purity of the THz emission we also measure the frequency noise PSD of a CO2-laser-pumped 2.5THz ML, reaching 0.1Hz2/Hz (-105dBc/Hz) at 40kHz from the carrier, limited by the frequency noise of the frequency comb harmonic. Finally, we show that it is possible to actively phase-lock the QCL-pumped molecular laser to the frequency comb repetition rate harmonic by controlling the QCL current, demonstrating a sub-Hz linewidth.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2019

Low intensity noise high-power tunable fiber-based laser around 1007 nm

We report the development of a tunable, low-noise, all-fiber, single-frequency, linearly polarized high-power master oscillator power amplifier operating over 20 nm, from 1017 nm down to 997 nm. Using Ytterbium highly-doped silica fiber with large mode area, more than 3 W of 997 nm signal was obtained with less than 2 % of ASE. These figures keep improving with operating wavelength, to reach more than 16 W and 0.03 % of ASE at 1017 nm. The optical signal to noise ratio exceeds 40dB for the worst case up to more than 60dB. In addition, relative intensity noise remains very low over the whole tuning range (-130dBc@10kHz) down to-160dBc at 10 MHz. This robust laser has a strong potential to be a new workhorse for demanding applications in this spectral range.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2018

High-power all-fiber ultra-low noise laser

High-power ultra-low noise single-mode single-frequency lasers are in great demand for interferometric metrology. Robust, compact all-fiber lasers represent one of the most promising technologies to replace the current laser sources in use based on injection-locked ring resonators or multi-stage solid-state amplifiers. Here, a linearly-polarized high-power ultra-low noise all-fiber laser is demonstrated at a power level of 100 W. Special care has been taken in the study of relative intensity noise (RIN) and its reduction. Using an optimized servo actuator to directly control the driving current of the pump laser diode (LD), we obtain a large feedback bandwidth of up to 1.3 MHz. The RIN reaches-160 dBc/Hz between 3 kHz and 20 kHz.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2017

Watt-level single-frequency tunable Neodymium MOPA fiber laser operating at 915-937 nm

We have developed a Watt-level single-frequency tunable fiber laser in the 915-937 nm spectral window. The laser is based on a neodymium-doped fiber master oscillator power amplifier architecture, with two amplification stages using a 20 mW extended cavity diode laser as seed. The system output power is higher than 2 W from 921 to 933 nm, with a stability better than 1.4 percent and a low relative intensity noise.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2016

Photonic microwave signals with zeptosecond level absolute timing noise

Photonic synthesis of radiofrequency revived the quest for unrivalled microwave purity by its seducing ability to convey the benefits of the optics to the microwave world. In this work, we perform a high-fidelity transfer of frequency stability between an optical reference and a microwave signal via a low-noise fiber-based frequency comb and cutting-edge photo-detection techniques. We demonstrate the generation of the purest microwave signal with a fractional frequency stability below 6.5 x 10^-16 at 1 s and a timing noise floor below 41 zs.Hz^-1/2 (phase noise below -173 dBc.Hz^-1 for a 12 GHz carrier). This outclasses existing sources and promises a new era for state-of-the-art microwave generation. The characterization is achieved by building two auxiliary low noise optoelectronic microwave reference and using a heterodyne cross-correlation scheme with lowermost detection noise. This unprecedented level of purity can impact domains such as radar systems, telecommunications and time-frequency metrology. Furthermore, the measurement methods developed here can benefit the characterization of a broad range of signals, beyond comb-based systems.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2015

Cascaded optical fiber link using the Internet network for remote clocks comparison

We report a cascaded optical link of 1100 km for ultra-stable frequency distribution over an Internet fiber network. The link is composed of four spans for which the propagation noise is actively compensated. The robustness and the performance of the link are ensured by five fully automated optoelectronic stations, two of them at the link ends, and three deployed on the field and connecting the spans. This device coherently regenerates the optical signal with the heterodyne optical phase locking of a low-noise laser diode. Optical detection of the beat-note signals for the laser lock and the link noise compensation are obtained with stable and low-noise fibered optical interferometer. We show 3.5 days of continuous operation of the noise-compensated 4-span cascaded link leading to fractional frequency instability of 4x10-16 at 1-s measurement time and 1x10-19 at 2000 s. This cascaded link was extended to 1480-km with the same performance. This work is a significant step towards a sustainable wide area ultra-stable optical frequency distribution and comparison network at a very high level of performance.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2015

Frequency and time transfer for metrology and beyond using telecommunication network fibres

The distribution and the comparison of an ultra-stable optical frequency and accurate time using optical fibres have been greatly improved in the last ten years. The frequency stability and accuracy of optical links surpass well-established methods using the global navigation satellite system and geostationary satellites. In this paper, we present a review of the methods and the results obtained. We show that public telecommunication network carrying Internet data can be used to compare and distribute ultra-stable metrological signals over long distances. This novel technique paves the way for the deployment of a national and continental ultra-stable metrological optical network.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

Tackling the Limits of Optical Fiber Links

We theoretically and experimentally investigate relevant noise processes arising in optical fiber links, which fundamentally limit their relative stability. We derive the unsuppressed delay noise for three configurations of optical links: two-way method, Sagnac interferometry, and actively compensated link, respectively designed for frequency comparison, rotation sensing, and frequency transfer. We also consider an alternative two-way setup allowing real-time frequency comparison and demonstrate its effectiveness on a proof-of-principle experiment with a 25-km fiber spool. For these three configurations, we analyze the noise arising from uncommon fiber paths in the interferometric ensemble and design optimized interferometers. We demonstrate interferometers with very low temperature sensitivity of respectively -2.2, -0.03 and 1 fs/K. We use one of these optimized interferometers on a long haul compensated fiber link of 540km. We obtain a relative frequency stability of 3E-20 after 10,000 s of integration time.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

In-line extraction of an ultra-stable frequency signal over an optical fiber link

We demonstrate in-line extraction of an ultra-stable frequency signal over an optical link of 92-km of installed telecommunication fibers, following the proposition of G. Grosche in 2010. We show that the residual frequency noise at the extraction end is noticeably below that at the main link output when the extraction is near the input end, as expected from a simple model of the noise compensation. We obtain relative frequency instabilities, expressed as overlapping Allan deviation, of 8x10-16 at 1 s averaging time and a few 10-19 at 1 day. These results are at the state-of-the-art for a link using urban telecommunication fibers. We also propose an improved scheme which delivers an ultra-stable signal of higher power, in order to feed a secondary link. In-line extraction opens the way to a broad distribution of an ultra-stable frequency reference, enabling a wide range of applications beyond metrology.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2013

Spectral purity transfer between optical wavelengths at the $10^{-18}$ level

Ultra-stable lasers and optical frequency combs have been the enabling technologies for the tremendous progress of precise optical spectroscopy in the last ten years. To improve laser frequency stabilization beyond the thermal-noise fundamental limit of traditional room-temperature high-finesse optical cavities, new solutions have been recently developed. These being complex and often wavelength specific, the capability to transfer their spectral purity to any optical wavelengths is highly desirable. Here we present an optical frequency comb based scheme transferring a $4.5 \times 10^{-16}$ fractional frequency stability from a 1062 nm wavelength laser to a 1542 nm laser. We demonstrate that this scheme does not hinder the transfer down to $3 \times 10^{-18}$ at one second, two orders of magnitude below previously reported work with comparable systems. This exceeds by more than one order of magnitude the stability of any optical oscillator demonstrated to date, and satisfies the stability requirement for quantum-projection-noise limited optical lattice clocks.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2013

Mid-infrared laser phase-locking to a remote near-infrared frequency reference for high precision molecular spectroscopy

We present a new method for accurate mid-infrared frequency measurements and stabilization to a near-infrared ultra-stable frequency reference, transmitted with a long-distance fibre link and continuously monitored against state-of-the-art atomic fountain clocks. As a first application, we measure the frequency of an OsO4 rovibrational molecular line around 10 $μ$m with a state-of-the-art uncertainty of 8x10-13. We also demonstrate the frequency stabilization of a mid-infrared laser with fractional stability better than 4x10-14 at 1 s averaging time and a line-width below 17 Hz. This new stabilization scheme gives us the ability to transfer frequency stability in the range of 10-15 or even better, currently accessible in the near-infrared or in the visible, to mid-infrared lasers in a wide frequency range.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2013

Continuous-wave coherent imaging with terahertz quantum cascade lasers using electro-optic harmonic sampling

We demonstrate a coherent imaging system based on a terahertz (THz) frequency quantum cascade laser (QCL) phase-locked to a near-infrared fs-laser comb. The phase locking enables coherent electro-optic sampling of the continuous-wave radiation emitted by the QCL through the generation of a heterodyne beat-note signal. We use this beat-note signal to demonstrate raster scan coherent imaging using a QCL emitting at 2.5 THz. At this frequency the detection noise floor of our system is of 3 pW/Hz and the long-term phase stability is <3 degrees/h, limited by the mechanical stability of the apparatus.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2012

Mid-IR frequency measurement using an optical frequency comb and a long-distance remote frequency reference

We have built a frequency chain which enables to measure the absolute frequency of a laser emitting in the 28-31 THz frequency range and stabilized onto a molecular absorption line. The set-up uses an optical frequency comb and an ultrastable 1.55 $μ$m frequency reference signal, transferred from LNE-SYRTE to LPL through an optical link. We are now progressing towards the stabilization of the mid-IR laser via the frequency comb and the extension of this technique to quantum cascade lasers. Such a development is very challenging for ultrahigh resolution molecular spectroscopy and fundamental tests of physics with molecules.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2012

Simultaneous remote transfer of accurate timing and optical frequency over a public fiber network

In this work we demonstrate for the first time that it is possible to transfer simultaneously an ultra-stable optical frequency and a precise and accurate timing over 540 km using a public telecommunication optical fiber networks with Internet data. The optical phase is used to carry both the frequency information and the timestamps by modulating a very narrow optical carrier at 1.55 $μ$m with spread spectrum signals using two-way satellite time transfer modems. The results in term of absolute time accuracy (250 ps) and long-term timing stability (20 ps) well outperform the conventional Global Navigation Satellite System or geostationary transfer methods.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2012

Ultra-stable long distance optical frequency distribution using the Internet fiber network

We report an optical link of 540 km for ultrastable frequency distribution over the Internet fiber network. The stable frequency optical signal is processed enabling uninterrupted propagation on both directions. The robustness and the performance of the link are enhanced by a cost effective fully automated optoelectronic station. This device is able to coherently regenerate the return optical signal with a heterodyne optical phase locking of a low noise laser diode. Moreover the incoming signal polarization variation are tracked and processed in order to maintain beat note amplitudes within the operation range. Stable fibered optical interferometer enables optical detection of the link round trip phase signal. The phase-noise compensated link shows a fractional frequency instability in 10 Hz bandwidth of 5x10-15 at one second measurement time and 2x10-19 at 30 000 s. This work is a significant step towards a sustainable wide area ultrastable optical frequency distribution and comparison network.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2012

Progress in Atomic Fountains at LNE-SYRTE

We give an overview of the work done with the Laboratoire National de Métrologie et d'Essais-Systèmes de Référence Temps-Espace (LNE-SYRTE) fountain ensemble during the last five years. After a description of the clock ensemble, comprising three fountains, FO1, FO2, and FOM, and the newest developments, we review recent studies of several systematic frequency shifts. This includes the distributed cavity phase shift, which we evaluate for the FO1 and FOM fountains, applying the techniques of our recent work on FO2. We also report calculations of the microwave lensing frequency shift for the three fountains, review the status of the blackbody radiation shift, and summarize recent experimental work to control microwave leakage and spurious phase perturbations. We give current accuracy budgets. We also describe several applications in time and frequency metrology: fountain comparisons, calibrations of the international atomic time, secondary representation of the SI second based on the 87Rb hyperfine frequency, absolute measurements of optical frequencies, tests of the T2L2 satellite laser link, and review fundamental physics applications of the LNE-SYRTE fountain ensemble. Finally, we give a summary of the tests of the PHARAO cold atom space clock performed using the FOM transportable fountain.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2011

Ultra stable and very low noise signal source using a cryocooled sapphire oscillator for VLBI

Here we present the design and implementation of a novel frequency synthesizer based on low phase noise digital dividers and a direct digital synthesizer. The synthesis produces two low noise accurate and tunable signals at 10 MHz and 100 MHz. We report on the measured residual phase noise and frequency stability of the synthesizer, and estimate the total frequency stability, which can be expected from the synthesizer seeded with a signal near 11.2 GHz from an ultra-stable cryocooled sapphire oscillator. The synthesizer residual single sideband phase noise, at 1 Hz offset, on 10 MHz and 100 MHz signals, respectively, were measured to be -135 dBc/Hz and -130 dBc/Hz. Their intrinsic frequency stability contributions, on the 10 MHz and 100 MHz signals, respectively, were measured as sigma_y = 9 x 10^-15 and sigma_y = 2.2 x 10^-15, at 1 s integration time. The Allan Deviation of the total fractional frequency noise on the 10 MHz and 100 MHz signals derived from the synthesizer with the cryocooled sapphire oscillator, may be estimated as sigma_y = 5.2 x 10^-15 τ^-1 + 3.6 x 10^-15 τ^-1/2 + 4 x 10^-16 and sigma_y = 2 x 10^-15 τ^-1/2 + 3 x 10^-16, respectively, for 1 s < τ< 10^4 s. We also calculate the coherence function, (a figure of merit in VLBI) for observation frequencies of 100 GHz, 230 GHz and 345 GHz, when using the cryocooled sapphire oscillator and an hydrogen maser. The results show that the cryocooled sapphire oscillator offers a significant advantage at frequencies above 100 GHz.

physics.ins-det↗