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arXiv:2509.09124 · Optica Quantum

Multi-laser stabilization with an atomic-disciplined photonic integrated resonator

Andrei Isichenko, Andrew S. Hunter, Nitesh Chauhan, John DICKSON, Timothy Nathan Nunley, J. Bingaman, David Heim, Mark Harrington, Kaikai Liu, Paul D. Kunz, Daniel J. Blumenthal

Published Apr 1, 2026• 1 citation
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Precision atomic and quantum experiments rely on ultra-stable narrow linewidth lasers constructed using table-top ultra-low expansion reference cavities. These experiments often require multiple lasers, operating at different wavelengths, to perform key steps used in state preparation and measurement required in quantum sensing and computing. This is traditionally achieved by disciplining a cavity-stabilized laser to a key atomic transition and then transferring the transition linewidth and stability to other lasers using the same reference cavity in combination with bulk-optic frequency shifting such as acousto-optic modulators. Transitioning such capabilities to a future potentially low-cost photonic-integrated platform will enable a wide range of portable, low power, scalable quantum experiments and applications. Yet, today’s bulk optic approaches pose challenges related to lack of cavity tunability, large free spectral range, and limited photonic integration potential. Here, we address these challenges with demonstration of an agile photonic-integrated 780 nm ultra-high-Q tunable silicon nitride reference cavity that performs multiple critical experimental steps including laser linewidth narrowing, high resolution rubidium spectroscopy, dual-stage stabilization to a rubidium transition, and stability transfer to other lasers. We achieve up to 20 dB of frequency noise reduction at 10 kHz offset, precision spectroscopy over a 250 MHz range, and dual-stage locking to rubidium with an Allan deviation of 8.5 × 10 −12 at 1 s and up to 40 dB frequency noise reduction at 100 Hz frequency offset. We further use the rubidium-disciplined cavity to provide atomic-referenced frequency stability to a second laser and demonstrate multi-wavelength Rydberg electrometry quantum sensing. These results pave the path for integrated, compact, and scalable solutions for quantum sensing, computing, and other atomic and trapped ion applications.

DOI
10.1364/opticaq.577668

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Precision atomic and quantum experiments rely on ultra-stable narrow linewidth lasers constructed using table-top ultra-low expansion reference cavities. These experiments often require multiple lasers, operating at different wavelengths, to perform key steps used in state preparation and measurement required in quantum sensing and computing. This is traditionally achieved by disciplining a cavity-stabilized laser to a key atomic transition and then transferring the transition linewidth and stability to other lasers using the same reference cavity in combination with bulk-optic frequency shifting such as acousto-optic modulators. Transitioning such capabilities to a future potentially low-cost photonic-integrated platform will enable a wide range of portable, low power, scalable quantum experiments and applications. Yet, today’s bulk optic approaches pose challenges related to lack of cavity tunability, large free spectral range, and limited photonic integration potential. Here, we address these challenges with demonstration of an agile photonic-integrated 780 nm ultra-high-Q tunable silicon nitride reference cavity that performs multiple critical experimental steps including laser linewidth narrowing, high resolution rubidium spectroscopy, dual-stage stabilization to a rubidium transition, and stability transfer to other lasers. We achieve up to 20 dB of frequency noise reduction at 10 kHz offset, precision spectroscopy over a 250 MHz range, and dual-stage locking to rubidium with an Allan deviation of 8.5 × 10 −12 at 1 s and up to 40 dB frequency noise reduction at 100 Hz frequency offset. We further use the rubidium-disciplined cavity to provide atomic-referenced frequency stability to a second laser and demonstrate multi-wavelength Rydberg electrometry quantum sensing. These results pave the path for integrated, compact, and scalable solutions for quantum sensing, computing, and other atomic and trapped ion applications.
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Narrow-linewidth lasers with absolute frequency anchoring are essential for precision metrology, coherent sensing, and emerging quantum technologies beyond laboratory environments. Optical cavities and interferometers provide exceptional short-term spectral purity but lack intrinsic absolute frequency references. Atomic transitions, in contrast, provide stable frequency anchors but offer limited discrimination sensitivity. Recent hybrid approaches have demonstrated the combination of compact optical resonators with atomic references, yet achieving the Hz-level regime remains challenging. Here, we present a hybrid architecture that enables simultaneous realization of Hz-level linewidth and atomic-referenced frequency stability. An external-cavity diode laser is first stabilized to a fiber interferometer to achieve Hz-level spectral purity, while the interferometer is subsequently anchored to an 87Rb D2 transition via modulation transfer spectroscopy to suppress long-term drift and define the laser frequency relative to the atomic transition. This dual-stabilization scheme realizes a compact atomic-referenced laser with a 3.4-Hz linewidth (1-rad integrated-phase method), a minimum fractional frequency stability of 3.4x10-14 at 0.56 s, and 9x10-13 at 100 s. This architecture establishes a practical and scalable route toward compact and field-deployable atomic-referenced narrow-linewidth lasers for precision metrology and quantum technologies.
Abstract Photonic integrated stable, ultra-low-noise lasers are essential for scalable and portable quantum information systems. Trapped ions are a leading modality for quantum computing and optical clocks, with room-temperature operation enabling portable applications. Current systems rely on free-space lasers and stabilization cavities, frequency conversion, and cryogenic infrastructure, limiting size, weight, and power. We demonstrate a chip-scale coil-stabilized 674 nm Brillouin laser driving qubit state preparation and measurement and the optical clock transition in a room-temperature surface electrode trapped 88 Sr + ion without a bulk-optic reference cavity. The CMOS compatible silicon nitride integrated 3-meter coil and Brillouin laser achieve 8.8×10 -13 stability at 20 ms, sufficient to interrogate the 0.4 Hz quadrupole optical clock transition. The ion-disciplined laser achieves 5.3 ×10−13/τ\times {10}^{-13}/\sqrt{\tau }×10−13/τ​ × 10 − 13 / τ stability, spectroscopy with 1.5 kHz linewidths, and 99.6% qubit state preparation and measurement fidelity. These results light the way towards integration of stabilized lasers with trapped-ion chips for portable and robust quantum technologies.
Abstract Programmability and precise control of laser frequency are essential for quantum experiments and applications such as atomic clocks, quantum computers, and cold-atom sensors. Current systems use bulky, power-hungry modulators and frequency shifters which are difficult to integrate and limit portability and scalability. We report an electrically controllable, agile optical frequency source based on a semiconductor laser stabilized to a photonic integrated resonator cavity with a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) actuator. We demonstrate this approach with precision programmable frequency control of a 780-nm laser that can periodically reference to rubidium-87 ( 87 Rb) spectroscopy followed by fast, programmable, arbitrary frequency tuning sequences for quantum control. We use this approach to demonstrate sub-Doppler cooling of 87 Rb without any external modulators, achieving atom-cloud temperatures as low as 16 μ K. The device achieves a tuning strength up to 1 GHz/V with 11 MHz modulation bandwidth while consuming only 10 nW of electrical power. This work establishes a route toward compact, low-power, and chip-scale laser systems for next-generation quantum and atomic sensing technologies.
Scaling quantum processors and optical atomic clocks fundamentally requires orders-of-magnitude reductions in the size, weight, power, and cost of optical control systems. Photonic integration of lasers is critical to fulfill these requirements. At the near-infrared wavelengths required for atomic clocks and quantum computing through manipulation of rubidium atoms, laser integration is hindered by difficulty in light coupling and poor heat dissipation. Here, we introduce a wafer-scalable method utilizing micro-transfer printing to integrate GaAs-based amplifiers in etched recesses, directly butt-coupled to silicon nitride waveguides. We demonstrate extended-cavity single-mode lasers using this integration approach. Our compact microgear laser achieves a narrow 3 kHz fundamental linewidth at an on-chip output power of >22 mW -- a record for a single-mode heterogeneously integrated laser in the 780-800 nm band -- with a wall-plug efficiency of 9.4%, showcasing the high-power and efficiency potential of this integration approach. Additionally, we demonstrate a widely tunable laser leveraging Vernier filters to achieve lasing with 9 nm coarse tuning, a quasi-continuous fine-tuning range exceeding 140 GHz, and a mode-hop-free tuning range of 45 GHz. Our scalable integrated laser toolkit shows great promise for replacing macroscopic external-cavity diode lasers in next-generation quantum technologies and optical atomic clocks.
Programmability and precise control of laser frequency are essential for quantum experiments and applications such as atomic clocks, quantum computers, and cold-atom sensors. Current systems use bulky, power-hungry modulators and frequency shifters which are difficult to integrate and limit portability and scalability. We report an electrically controllable, agile optical frequency source based on a semiconductor laser stabilized to a photonic-integrated, lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-actuated resonator cavity. We demonstrate this approach with precision programmable frequency control of a 780-nm laser that can periodically reference to rubidium spectroscopy followed by fast, programmable, arbitrary frequency tuning sequences for quantum control. We use this approach to demonstrate sub-Doppler cooling of rubidium-87 without any external modulators, achieving atom-cloud temperatures as low as 16 μμμK. The device achieves a tuning strength up to 1 GHz/V with 11 MHz modulation bandwidth while consuming only 10 nW of electrical power. This work establishes a route toward compact, low-power, and chip-scale laser systems for next-generation quantum and atomic sensing technologies.