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Quantum Sensing and Nano Electronics and Photonics

A robust micro-integrated rubidium saturated absorption spectroscopy laser reference

Jack Ward Thomas, Benjamin David George Steele, Rachel Elvin, Adam Selyem, Loyd J. McKnight

Published Mar 8, 2024• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We have developed a novel millimetre-sized monolithic fibre-coupled rubidium saturated absorption spectroscopy laser reference suitable for quantum sensing applications. It is based on our novel MEMs vapour cell technology and bonding of optical elements to create a monolithic spectroscopy module. Our unit reproduces the signal visibility of a 70 mm long cell and is compatible with standard packaging techniques. The unit has no free-space elements that would otherwise be subject to vibration. Our reference uniquely combines the qualities of robustness, miniaturisation and signal strength providing an optimal solution for mobile quantum sensing platforms including space and aerospace.

DOI
10.1117/12.3003122

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We demonstrate a miniature microfabricated saturated absorption laser spectrometer. The system consists of miniature optics, a microfabricated Rb vapor cell, heaters, and a photodetector, all contained within a volume of 0.1 cm(3). Saturated absorption spectra were measured with a diode laser at 795 nm. They are comparable to signals obtained with standard table-top setups, although the rubidium vapor cell has an interior volume of only 1 mm(3). We discuss the performance and prospects for using such systems as a miniature optical wavelength reference, compatible with transportable instruments.
In this study, a miniature laser frequency stabilization module for cold atom sensing applications was designed and realized.The module can lock the laser frequency to the saturated absorption spectrum of the D2 line of rubidium (Rb) atoms using the frequency modulation spectroscopy method.The module core is a tiny Rb cell, co-packaged with the saturation absorption optical setup, temperature control circuit, and detection circuit through a joint optical-mechanical-electrical design for a total volume of only 40 mm × 15 mm × 30 mm.The frequency fluctuation of the 780 nm laser after frequency stabilization by the module was within 1 MHz over 1000 s, which is adequate for magneto-optical trap experiments.The results verify the feasibility of the module as a frequency reference and provide a light source for portable cold atom sensing devices.
Abstract We demonstrate a laser stabilization based on a spatially-multiplexed, microfabricated rubidium vapor cell. This design integrates multiple optical apertures within a cell, enabling a single input beam to simultaneously capture both Doppler-broadened and saturated absorption spectroscopy signals while a dedicated non-absorbing aperture directs the beam toward the physics package. We achieve a frequency stability of 4 × 10 −13 at 100 s, and partial correction of the Doppler background allows the system to remain stable at the 10 −12 -level up to 10 4 s. This architecture significantly reduces optical complexity while providing a robust, high-performance laser source for deployable quantum sensors.
An optical atomic frequency-reference based on a vapour of atoms is a strong candidate for a creating a portable atomic clock with sufficient stability to be a reliable independent timing system for major infrastructure in the event of GNSS denial. We present the development of optical atomic frequency-standards within the University of Strathclyde, where MEMS vapour cells and lasers have been developed for a miniaturised rubidium frequency-reference. Existing chip-scale systems have been demonstrated by others using a microwave transition, however an optical clock offers a significantly higher frequency to enable a lower instability.