Quantum Enhanced Sensing and Timing with Frequency Combs
Abstract
Two pillars of quantum optical measurements are homodyne and heterodyne detection; and well-understood quantum limits exist when the,se measurements are applied to continuous wave (CW) lasers and non-classical light sources. However, when these same optical measur,ements are performed with the multi-frequency output of an optical frequency comb, the boundary that defines the standard quantum li,mit is poorly defined. Here we propose basic research to develop new quantum metrology that will clearly define the quantum limits i,n heterodyne and homodyne with optical frequency combs. Through a tightly coupled research program involving both theory and experim,ent, we will explore and analyze the heterodyne process between a CW laser and a frequency comb, as well as linear and nonlinear dua,l-comb heterodyne and homodyne. With the frequency comb serving as a multimode local oscillator, we refer to this measurement modal,ity as ``combodyne". We envision that the thorough analysis and verification of this new view of quantum detection will open the pat,h to timing, sensing, and spectroscopic measurements with improved capabilities and sensitivity. As such, this work will directly im,pact present and future optical clocks and clock networks that employ frequency combs for frequency down conversion and inter-clock, comparison. This is particularly true in scenarios with portable clocks where power is at a premium and enhanced signal-to-noise ra,tio will be required. More broadly, our effort will be relevant to a wide range of quantum sensors and measurement tools that rely o,n frequency comb spectroscopy via multi-heterodyne detection. In addition, our work will lay the theoretical and experimental found,ations for experiments in which a frequency comb acts as the local oscillator in the detection and measurement of non-classical stat,es of light.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 08, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212438
Entities
People
- Scott A. Diddams
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Regents of the University of Colorado
- United States Navy