Photonic Integrated Ultra-Low Linewidth Stabilized Laser - Topic ii-(3)
Abstract
This project focuses on investigation of photonic integrated, ultra-narrow linewidth, stabilized lasers, operating from visible (VIS) to infrared (IR) wavelengths, using a silicon nitride CMOS compatible process. Integration can deliver lower cost, size and weight, and reduced sensitivity to environmental disturbances compared to lab-scale counterparts. This research will further the ARL and ARO goal to Operationalize Science for Transformational Overmatch in Photonics, Electronics, and Quantum Sciences (PE&QS). The proposed work is cutting edge innovative research in advanced ultra-narrow linewidth stabilized photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technologies for applications that support AROs mission in BAA W911NF-17-S-0002-08 topic ii-(3) - Atomic and Molecular Physics (AMP). State of the art in integrated stabilized lasers and applications will be advanced in five activities: (i) fundamental linewidth reduction, (ii) integral linewidth reduction and carrier drift stabilization, (iii) athermalization techniques for drift mitigation, (iv) preliminary optical modulators for control, and (v) applications to atomic, molecular and quantum physics. (i): The laser work involves modeling and design of integrated Brillouin cavities to reduce the fundamental noise to order 10 mHz using ultra-low loss silicon nitride technology, and other materials including tantala, quartz. Laser will be studied at key atomic, and molecular transition wavelengths, e.g., strontium 698 nm, 689 nm, 674 nm, barium 493 nm, and polyatomic molecular species like YbOH [1]. (ii): The laser work will be combined with waveguide integrated stabilization cavities to improve the TRN floor through volume enhancement, lower the integral linewidth to order 10 Hz, and stabilize the carrier to 1E-14 over 100ms through increasing Q towards 1 Billion. (iii): Explore athermalized, zero temperature coefficient approaches to improve the long-term stability using optical dual-mode thermometry techniques. Other techniques that combine for example, coil resonator and a zero crossing TEC tantla on quartz resonator in the feedback control loop will be explored. (iv): Investigate single sideband and acoustooptic modulator designs for laser, reference and locking and control. (v): Extend the stabilized laser work to applications with collaborators in quantum lattices, quantum enhanced sensors, atomic clocks, computing and communications. We will work with atom and molecular physicists on atom sensing such as rubidium Rydberg states, cold molecules and continued collaborations with ARL/ARO scientists to incorporate this technology into atomic, molecular and quantum experiments and applications including atom trapping and cooling and systems for quantum and PNT applications. Functions will include beam delivery and interfaces and other system level functions for trapping and cooling of atoms, including piezoelectric actuated tunable lasers, locking and stabilization components and circuits, frequency shifting devices, waveguide to free-space beam emitters for cooling and for trapping, polarization control elements, trapping and cooling beam steering, optical metasurfaces, frequency stabilization circuits and PICs, and automatic trapping, cooling, stabilization and other functions for quantum and PNT
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 28, 2023
- Source ID
- W911NF2310179
Entities
People
- Daniel Blumenthal
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of California, Santa Barbara