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Joint Conference of the European Frequency and Time Forum and IEEE International Frequency Control Symposium (EFTF/IFCS)

Chip-scale Optical Clock Based on Modulation Transfer Spectroscopy

Qiaohui Yang, Tianyu Liu, Jie Miao, Duo Pan, Jingbiao Chen

Published May 15, 2023• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

SummaryWe propose a scheme for realizing a chip-scale optical clock based on modulation transfer spectroscopy. By using on-chip laser, lithium niobate thin film waveguides and MEMS cells, the laser frequency can be stabilized at the hyperfine transition of rubidium atomic line. In this way, the volume and power consumption of the optical clock can be greatly reduced while the performance is guaranteed.

DOI
10.1109/eftf/ifcs57587.2023.10272105

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SummaryWe propose a scheme for realizing a chip-scale optical clock based on modulation transfer spectroscopy. By using on-chip laser, lithium niobate thin film waveguides and MEMS cells, the laser frequency can be stabilized at the hyperfine transition of rubidium atomic line. In this way, the volume and power consumption of the optical clock can be greatly reduced while the performance is guaranteed.
A compact rubidium optical clock is presented, incorporating an optical frequency standard, a fiber frequency comb, and associated control electronics. Modulation transfer spectroscopy, devoid of Doppler background and characterized by a high signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity, is employed to lock the laser frequency to the hyperfine transitions of rubidium atomic lines. The clock exhibits a short-term stability of 4.10 × 10-13at a 1-second gate time, and the stability remains below 7.27 × 10-13up to 1000 seconds. These results offer a promising alternative approach for the development of portable optical clocks.
This work introduces an innovative optical frequency standard that leverages MEMS vapor cells to achieve exceptional stability. To attain these objectives, we have integrated the modulation transfer spectroscopy (MTS) technique, which not only ensures high stability but also contributes to minimal power consumption in a compact form factor. Employing MTS with a high signal-to-noise ratio and utilizing a full bandwidth, high-speed servo feedback, we have successfully stabilized the laser frequency at the hyperfine transitions of rubidium atomic lines within the MEMS vapor cell. Furthermore, after the laser is locked, there is a significant narrowing effect on the laser linewidth. The current specifications of our compact optical frequency standard include a frequency Allan deviation of 4.8E-13@1s and the laser linewidth of only 18 kHz.
In this paper we propose a new scheme to realize the chip-scale optical clock by using a dual-wavelength modulation transfer spectroscopy (DWMTS). The electro-optical modulator (EOM) and isolator in conventional modulation transfer spectroscopy which is complicated to be built on chip can thus be avoided. We remove the EOM and isolator at the price of an extra laser, which perform the volume optimization of the entire optical system, making the optical clock based on DWMTS to be a competitive candidate.
Atomic clocks represent the most advanced instruments for providing time-frequency standards, with increasing demand for designs that offer high frequency stability while minimizing size. Central to an atomic clock’s function is the atomic vapor cell, which serves as the quantum reference. Compared to traditional cells, wafer-level micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) vapor cells enable cost-effective, scalable production and facilitate integration with silicon-based chips. In this work, we present a wafer-level MEMS vapor cell featuring an innovative silicon-glass-silicon transverse optical path structure. A single wafer is used to fabricate 24 identical atomic vapor cells, each with precise dimensions of 14 mm×14 mm×4.3 mm, ensuring scalability. We demonstrate an optical frequency standard that combines modulation transfer spectroscopy (MTS) with a MEMS vapor cell, featuring a compact design with excellent performance. This frequency standard achieves stability over averaging times of 1–400 s, with short-term stability of 2.6×10 −13 at 1 s and 5.1×10 −14 at 200 s. The laser linewidth is only 3.9 kHz, marking a substantial improvement over existing thermal standards, and opening potential applications in navigation, radar, and precision measurement. This work provides a crucial step toward the development of chip-scale optical clocks.
This study investigates the application of miniature quantum references within small-scale optical atomic frequency standards, utilizing a diminutive 87 Rb glass cell, dimensions of 6 mm × 6 mm × 6 mm, to establish a quantum frequency standard.By employing the transition spectrum from 5 2 S 1/2 F = 2 to 5 2 P 3/2 F 0 =3, this study successfully demonstrates the development of a compact rubidium atomic optical frequency standard via modulation transfer spectroscopy (MTS).Subsequent to frequency stabilization, the 780 nm clock laser exhibits a linewidth of 6.9 kHz, and its out-of-loop short-term stability reaches 4.1 × 10 -13 @ 1 s, as confirmed through beat frequency analysis.This research not only provides a practical blueprint for the development of small optical atomic frequency standards but also lays down essential groundwork for future advancements in chip-level optical frequency standard technologies.
In this paper, we propose a chip-scale cesium four-level active optical clock based on a microfabricated atomic vapor cell. This millimeter-scale vapor cell is coated on both ends of the wall, and the coated walls directly construct the optical resonator. The microfabricated atomic vapor cell is also used to stabilize the frequency of the pump laser, to further reduce the influence of light shift caused by the frequency-stabilized pump laser on the linewidth of active optical frequency standard signal. We make a theoretical analysis and design an experimental scheme. The chip-scale active optical clock with small size and high performance has wide application in precision measurement and detection, and other fields, and it will aid to promote the definition of time unit second based on the optical clock.