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Off-resonance laser frequency stabilization method by Faraday rotation spectroscopy using acoustic-optic modulator

Zishan Fang, Wei Quan, Yueyang Zhai

Published Oct 24, 2017• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

We propose a far off-resonance laser frequency stabilization method that can accurately adjust the frequency lock points based on the Faraday rotation spectroscopy. The atomic magnetometer based on the spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) theory needs to stabilize the frequency of the probe laser on the detuning of several gigahertz (GHz) away from the resonance of the alkali metal atom, to reduce the absorption of the probe light by the alkali metal vapor cell. We propose a laser frequency stabilization method that can accurately adjust the frequency lock points using an acousto-optic modulator based on Faraday rotation spectroscopy. We reveal the principles of the method and simulate the new Faraday rotation spectra. Besides, we study the effect of the amount of frequency shift of the acousto - optic modulator and the temperature of the alkali metal vapor cell on the frequency lock points of the spectra, and give the formula for calculating the frequency point. Our proposed laser frequency stabilization method can stabilize the laser frequency on the detuning of several gigahertz (GHz) away from the resonance of the alkali metal atom and can adjust the frequency lock points quickly and accurately. This method can be used in atomic magnetometer, degenerate Raman sideband cooling (DRSC) and two photon excitation of Rydberg states.

DOI
10.1117/12.2284966

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We propose a far off-resonance laser frequency stabilization method that can accurately adjust the frequency lock points based on the Faraday rotation spectroscopy. The atomic magnetometer based on the spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) theory needs to stabilize the frequency of the probe laser on the detuning of several gigahertz (GHz) away from the resonance of the alkali metal atom, to reduce the absorption of the probe light by the alkali metal vapor cell. We propose a laser frequency stabilization method that can accurately adjust the frequency lock points using an acousto-optic modulator based on Faraday rotation spectroscopy. We reveal the principles of the method and simulate the new Faraday rotation spectra. Besides, we study the effect of the amount of frequency shift of the acousto - optic modulator and the temperature of the alkali metal vapor cell on the frequency lock points of the spectra, and give the formula for calculating the frequency point. Our proposed laser frequency stabilization method can stabilize the laser frequency on the detuning of several gigahertz (GHz) away from the resonance of the alkali metal atom and can adjust the frequency lock points quickly and accurately. This method can be used in atomic magnetometer, degenerate Raman sideband cooling (DRSC) and two photon excitation of Rydberg states.
We propose a far off-resonance laser frequency stabilization method by using multipass cells in Rb Faraday rotation spectroscopy. Based on the detuning equation, if multipass cells with several meters optical path length are used in the conventional Faraday spectroscopy, the detuning of the lock point can be extended much further from the alkali metal resonance. A plate beam splitter was used to generate two different Faraday signals at the same time. The transmitted optical path length was L=50 mm and the reflected optical path length was 2L=100 mm. When the optical path length doubled, the detuning of the lock points moved further away from the atomic resonance. The temperature dependence of the detuning of the lock point was also analyzed. A temperature-insensitive lock point was found near resonance when the cell temperature was between 110°C and 130°C. We achieved an rms fluctuation of 0.9 MHz/23 h at a detuning of 0.5 GHz. A frequency drift of 16 MHz/h at a detuning of -5.6 GHz and 4 MHz/h at a detuning of -5.2 GHz were also obtained for the transmitted and reflected light Faraday signal.
In atomic physics experiments, a frequency-stabilized or ‘locked’ laser source is commonly required. Many established techniques are available for locking close to an atomic resonance. However, in many instances, such as atomic magnetometer and magic wavelength optical lattices in ultra-cold atoms, it is desirable to lock the frequency of the laser far away from the resonance. This review presents several far off-resonance laser frequency stabilization methods, by which the frequency of the probe beam can be locked on the detuning as far as several tens of gigahertz (GHz) away from atomic resonance line, and discusses existing challenges and possible future directions in this field.
Utilizing the Zeeman Faraday effect in atomic vapor cells, a novel setup is introduced both for laser intensity stabilization and laser intensity modulation. The method is based on the closed loop control of the polarization rotation angle of the laser light in an atomic vapor cell for adjustment of the laser intensity. Characterizing the implemented setup, it is shown that more than 30 dB attenuation of the optical fluctuation is achieved in the frequency range from DC to 1 kHz. Meanwhile, the laser intensity could be efficiently locked to a modulating voltage signal, which results in amplitude modulation of the laser beam. We believe that this simple method could be effectively used in different atomic physics experiments, including the stabilization of the laser intensity in applications where near resonance frequency sweeping is required or applications that contain optical modulation of lasers in lock-in detection schemes.
We present a simple technique for stabilization of a laser frequency off resonance using the Faraday effect in a heated vapor cell with an applied magnetic field. In particular, we demonstrate stabilization of a 780 nm laser detuned up to 14 GHz from the (85)Rb D(2) 5(2)S(1/2) F = 2 to 5(2)P(3/2) F' = 3 transition. Control of the temperature of the vapor cell and the magnitude of the applied magnetic field allows locking ~6-14 GHz red and blue detuned from the atomic line. We obtain an rms fluctuation of 7 MHz over 1 h without stabilization of the cell temperature or magnetic field.
Abstract In optical systems, acousto-optic modulators (AOMs) and electro-optic modulators (EOMs) are commonly utilized for laser frequency manipulation. However, these devices come with drawbacks such as high cost and the requirement of optical adjustments to change the frequency shift direction. In this study, we propose an alternative method that harnesses the Zeeman effect in the saturated-absorption spectroscopy to shift the energy levels in atom. With this technique, the laser frequency can be shifted without the need for AOMs or EOMs. The stability of laser locking was investigated for any case of polarization of probe and pump beam. We found when the polarization of the probe and pump beams is linear and perpendicular, it results in the highest level of stability in laser locking compared to other polarization configurations.
Abstract Locking laser frequencies to Doppler-free spectra produced by the interaction of light with alkali atoms in a vapor cell is a promising approach for realizing compact atomic optical frequency reference. In this work, we employ counter-propagating monochromatic laser beams with a polarization angle of 45° to interact with 87 Rb atoms in a 3 mm cubic vapor cell, inducing coherent resonance. By detecting the laser polarization rotation, we obtain a Doppler free spectral line, which is used as a reference for laser frequency locking, thus realizing an optical reference. We build two nominally identical systems and measure their beatnote, yielding a fractional frequency stability of 5.3×10 -13 at 1 s. This study demonstrates that the proposed scheme is a competitive approach for realizing high performance compact atomic optical reference.