Ultra-Stable Gallium Nitride and Infrared Laser Frequency Standards Based on Spectral Hole Burning.

摘要

Our development of compact optical frequency standards and stable lasers opens new applications particularly to vibrometry and analog optical signal processing with high bandwidth and time-bandwidth products. Lasers are stabilized to spectral holes' as frequency references; devices deliver 20 Hz range stability potentially in compact packages. We stabilized diode lasers at 1.5 micron communication wavelengths, developed and characterized devices, and worked to develop compact packages for advanced systems. Hole burning materials were designed and identified that produce frequency references in the infrared, visible, and near ultraviolet spectral ranges. Frequency standards are programmable, readily mass produced, and transportable; multiple frequency values or intervals can be programmed in the same piece of material. We have state of the art facilities for spectroscopy, development, and characterization of optical materials. We have defined the limits of precision in optical spectroscopy of solids (73Hz). Scientific Materials Corporation of Bozeman, MT, is a partner in materials development, allowing for rapid refinement of new materials and material concepts. Training of optics professionals is a basic part of this project and encompasses undergraduate and graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. Graduates from our laboratory have become DoD contractors, industrial scientists, faculty, and scientists at national labs.