Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Optics Express

Narrow-linewidth light source for a coherent Raman transfer of ultracold molecules

K. Aikawa, Jun Kobayashi, K. Oasa, T. Kishimoto, Masahito Ueda, S. Inouye

Published Jul 13, 2011• 13 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We describe a tunable two-color CW light source sufficient for realizing a coherent Raman transfer between two molecular states that are more than 0.5 eV (120 THz) apart. The simultaneous frequency stabilization of 901 nm and 655 nm light was achieved by locking diode lasers to a single ultralow expansion cavity with dual wavelengths coating. By utilizing offset-locking and optical phase-locked loop (OPLL), we ensured a large mode-hop free tuning range (> 2 GHz). The obtained short term linewidth (<10 Hz) and the linear drift of frequency (65 mHz/s) were both sufficient to eliminate the influence of laser linewidths on the efficiency of coherent Raman transition.

DOI
10.1364/oe.19.014479

Related papers

Stabilizing dual laser with a tunable high-finesse transfer cavity for single-atom Rydberg excitation

Yong Zeng, Kunpeng Wang, Yangyang Liu +5 more

We demonstrate a method to simultaneously suppress the linewidths and stabilize the long-term frequency drifts of both 780-nm and 960-nm lasers to the 10-kHz level. We first use an iodine frequency stabilization laser as a frequency reference to stabilize the length of a tunable high-finesse transfer cavity (THFTC). Then two slave lasers of 780 nm and 960 nm are locked to this THFTC. In this way, the linewidths of slave lasers are suppressed to the order of 10 kHz, which are measured by delayed self-heterodyne measurements. Meanwhile, the long-term frequency drifts are stabilized to be less than 22 kHz for 10 h. With the locked lasers, we realize the coherent Rydberg excitation of a single Rb87 atom and keep the exciting stable and repeatable for 10 h, which is essential for Rydberg-mediated single-atom quantum information processing. This dual-laser frequency stabilization and transfer method can also be used in other high-resolution experiments in atomic physics, precision metrology, and molecular spectroscopy.

Journal of the Optical Society of America B•Feb 1, 2018•24 citations

A Simple, Versatile Laser System for the Creation of Ultracold Ground State Molecules

Philip D. Gregory, Peter K. Molony, A Kumar +4 more

A narrow-linewidth, dual-wavelength laser system is vital for the creation of ultracold ground state molecules via stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP) from a weakly bound Feshbach state. Here we describe how a relatively simple apparatus consisting of a single fixed-length optical cavity can be used to narrow the linewidth of the two different wavelength lasers required for STIRAP simultaneously. The frequency of each of these lasers is referenced to the cavity and is continuously tunable away from the cavity modes through the use of non-resonant electro-optic modulators. Self-heterodyne measurements suggest the laser linewidths are reduced to several hundred Hz. In the context of 87Rb133Cs molecules produced via magnetoassociation on a Feshbach resonance, we demonstrate the performance of the laser system through one- and two-photon molecular spectroscopy. Finally, we demonstrate transfer of the molecules to the rovibrational ground state using STIRAP. ar X iv

•Aug 17, 2016•33 citations

A simple, versatile laser system for the creation of ultracold ground state molecules

P D Gregory, P K Molony, M P Köppinger +5 more

A narrow-linewidth, dual-wavelength laser system is vital for the creation of ultracold ground state molecules via stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP) from a weakly bound Feshbach state. Here we describe how a relatively simple apparatus consisting of a single fixed-length optical cavity can be used to narrow the linewidth of the two different wavelength lasers required for STIRAP simultaneously. The frequency of each of these lasers is referenced to the cavity and is continuously tunable away from the cavity modes through the use of non-resonant electro-optic modulators. Self-heterodyne measurements suggest the laser linewidths are reduced to several 100 Hz. In the context of 87 Rb 133 Cs molecules produced via magnetoassociation on a Feshbach resonance, we demonstrate the performance of the laser system through one- and two-photon molecular spectroscopy. Finally, we demonstrate transfer of the molecules to the rovibrational ground state using STIRAP.

arXiv:1411.7951•New Journal of Physics•May 7, 2015•37 citations

Atomic-referenced Hz-linewidth lasers via fiber interferometric stabilization

Changmin Ahn, Hansol Jeong, Seoyeon Yang +4 more

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.

physics.opticsCross-listedarXiv:2605.26427•May 27, 2026•0 citations

Note: Generation of Raman laser beams based on a sideband injection-locking technique using a fiber electro-optical modulator

Hongbo Xue, Yanying Feng, X. J. Wang +2 more

Two phase-coherent Raman laser beams with a frequency offset of 6.835 GHz were generated by sideband injection-locking technique. A master diode laser was phase-modulated at 6.835 GHz by a fiber electro-optic modulator. A slave diode was injection-locked to the -1 sideband of the phase-modulated beam, and another diode was locked to the master laser carrier. This method produced stable and spatially separated Raman lasers with a large frequency shift range (>180 MHz). The relative linewidth of these two beams was ∼1 Hz, and the unwanted carrier mode was suppressed down to -24 dB. Stimulated Raman transitions and Ramsey fringes were driven by Raman lasers in a cold atomic beam.

Review of Scientific Instruments•Apr 1, 2013•12 citations

Injection locking of two frequency-doubled lasers with 32 GHz offset for driving Raman transitions with low photon scattering in Ca43^+

Norbert M. Linke, Christopher J. Ballance, D. M. Lucas

We describe the injection locking of two infrared (794 nm) laser diodes that are each part of a frequency-doubled laser system. An acousto-optic modulator in the injection path gives an offset of 1.6 GHz between the lasers for driving Raman transitions between states in the hyperfine split (by 3.2 GHz) ground level of 43Ca+. The offset can be disabled for use in 40Ca+. We measure the relative linewidth of the frequency-doubled beams to be 42 mHz in an optical heterodyne measurement. The use of both injection locking and frequency doubling combines spectral purity with high optical power. Our scheme is applicable for providing Raman beams across other ion species and neutral atoms where coherent optical manipulation is required.

arXiv:1310.7375•Optics Letters•Nov 21, 2013•9 citations
We describe a tunable two-color CW light source sufficient for realizing a coherent Raman transfer between two molecular states that are more than 0.5 eV (120 THz) apart. The simultaneous frequency stabilization of 901 nm and 655 nm light was achieved by locking diode lasers to a single ultralow expansion cavity with dual wavelengths coating. By utilizing offset-locking and optical phase-locked loop (OPLL), we ensured a large mode-hop free tuning range (> 2 GHz). The obtained short term linewidth (<10 Hz) and the linear drift of frequency (65 mHz/s) were both sufficient to eliminate the influence of laser linewidths on the efficiency of coherent Raman transition.
We demonstrate a method to simultaneously suppress the linewidths and stabilize the long-term frequency drifts of both 780-nm and 960-nm lasers to the 10-kHz level. We first use an iodine frequency stabilization laser as a frequency reference to stabilize the length of a tunable high-finesse transfer cavity (THFTC). Then two slave lasers of 780 nm and 960 nm are locked to this THFTC. In this way, the linewidths of slave lasers are suppressed to the order of 10 kHz, which are measured by delayed self-heterodyne measurements. Meanwhile, the long-term frequency drifts are stabilized to be less than 22 kHz for 10 h. With the locked lasers, we realize the coherent Rydberg excitation of a single Rb87 atom and keep the exciting stable and repeatable for 10 h, which is essential for Rydberg-mediated single-atom quantum information processing. This dual-laser frequency stabilization and transfer method can also be used in other high-resolution experiments in atomic physics, precision metrology, and molecular spectroscopy.
A narrow-linewidth, dual-wavelength laser system is vital for the creation of ultracold ground state molecules via stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP) from a weakly bound Feshbach state. Here we describe how a relatively simple apparatus consisting of a single fixed-length optical cavity can be used to narrow the linewidth of the two different wavelength lasers required for STIRAP simultaneously. The frequency of each of these lasers is referenced to the cavity and is continuously tunable away from the cavity modes through the use of non-resonant electro-optic modulators. Self-heterodyne measurements suggest the laser linewidths are reduced to several hundred Hz. In the context of 87Rb133Cs molecules produced via magnetoassociation on a Feshbach resonance, we demonstrate the performance of the laser system through one- and two-photon molecular spectroscopy. Finally, we demonstrate transfer of the molecules to the rovibrational ground state using STIRAP. ar X iv
A narrow-linewidth, dual-wavelength laser system is vital for the creation of ultracold ground state molecules via stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP) from a weakly bound Feshbach state. Here we describe how a relatively simple apparatus consisting of a single fixed-length optical cavity can be used to narrow the linewidth of the two different wavelength lasers required for STIRAP simultaneously. The frequency of each of these lasers is referenced to the cavity and is continuously tunable away from the cavity modes through the use of non-resonant electro-optic modulators. Self-heterodyne measurements suggest the laser linewidths are reduced to several 100 Hz. In the context of 87 Rb 133 Cs molecules produced via magnetoassociation on a Feshbach resonance, we demonstrate the performance of the laser system through one- and two-photon molecular spectroscopy. Finally, we demonstrate transfer of the molecules to the rovibrational ground state using STIRAP.
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.
Two phase-coherent Raman laser beams with a frequency offset of 6.835 GHz were generated by sideband injection-locking technique. A master diode laser was phase-modulated at 6.835 GHz by a fiber electro-optic modulator. A slave diode was injection-locked to the -1 sideband of the phase-modulated beam, and another diode was locked to the master laser carrier. This method produced stable and spatially separated Raman lasers with a large frequency shift range (>180 MHz). The relative linewidth of these two beams was ∼1 Hz, and the unwanted carrier mode was suppressed down to -24 dB. Stimulated Raman transitions and Ramsey fringes were driven by Raman lasers in a cold atomic beam.
We describe the injection locking of two infrared (794 nm) laser diodes that are each part of a frequency-doubled laser system. An acousto-optic modulator in the injection path gives an offset of 1.6 GHz between the lasers for driving Raman transitions between states in the hyperfine split (by 3.2 GHz) ground level of 43Ca+. The offset can be disabled for use in 40Ca+. We measure the relative linewidth of the frequency-doubled beams to be 42 mHz in an optical heterodyne measurement. The use of both injection locking and frequency doubling combines spectral purity with high optical power. Our scheme is applicable for providing Raman beams across other ion species and neutral atoms where coherent optical manipulation is required.