We demonstrate a dual-wavelength optical frequency standard based on the dual-optical-transition modulation transfer spectroscopy (DOT-MTS) between different quantum transitions of the rubidium D1 (795 nm) and D2 (780 nm) lines. In a single rubidium atomic ensemble, modulation frequency sidebands from the 780 nm pump beam are simultaneously transferred to both the 780 and 795 nm probe lasers. The DOT-MTS enables the simultaneous stabilization of 780 and 795 nm lasers on a single vapor cell. Both lasers exhibit a frequency instability in the low 10 −14 range at 1 s of averaging, as estimated from the residual error signal. A theoretical model is developed based on the V-type atomic level structure to illustrate the dual-wavelength spectroscopy. This approach can be extended to develop a multi-wavelength optical frequency standard within a single atomic ensemble, broadening its applicability in fields such as precision metrology, Rydberg atoms, wavelength standards, optical networks, and beyond.
We demonstrate a dual-wavelength optical frequency standard based on the dual-optical-transition modulation transfer spectroscopy (DOT-MTS) between different quantum transitions of the rubidium D1 (795 nm) and D2 (780 nm) lines. In a single rubidium atomic ensemble, modulation frequency sidebands from the 780 nm pump beam are simultaneously transferred to both the 780 and 795 nm probe lasers. The DOT-MTS enables the simultaneous stabilization of 780 and 795 nm lasers on a single vapor cell. Both lasers exhibit a frequency instability in the low 10 −14 range at 1 s of averaging, as estimated from the residual error signal. A theoretical model is developed based on the V-type atomic level structure to illustrate the dual-wavelength spectroscopy. This approach can be extended to develop a multi-wavelength optical frequency standard within a single atomic ensemble, broadening its applicability in fields such as precision metrology, Rydberg atoms, wavelength standards, optical networks, and beyond.
We demonstrate a dual wavelength optical frequency standard based on the dual optical transition modulation transfer spectroscopy (DOTMTS) between different quantum transitions of the rubidium D1 (795 nm) and D2 (780 nm) lines. In a single rubidium atomic ensemble, modulation frequency sidebands from the 780 nm pump beam are simultaneously transferred to both the 780 nm and 795 nm probe lasers. The DOTMTS enables the simultaneous stabilization of 780 nm and 795 nm lasers on a single vapor cell. Both lasers exhibit a frequency instability in the low 10 ^(-14) range at 1 s of averaging, as estimated from the residual error signal. A theoretical model is developed based on the V type atomic level structure to illustrate the dual-wavelength spectroscopy. This approach can be extended to develop a multiwavelength optical frequency standard within a single atomic ensemble, broadening its applicability in fields such as precision metrology, wavelength standards, optical networks, and beyond.
Modulation transfer spectroscopy (MTS) provides a high-resolution, Doppler-free method for laser frequency stabilization, offering excellent signal-to-noise ratio and robustness, particularly suited for compact thermal atomic clocks. Extending this approach, dual-optical-transition MTS (DOT-MTS) enables the simultaneous stabilization of two optical transitions within a single atomic ensemble, paving the way for multi-wavelength frequency references in integrated systems. Despite its potential, DOT-MTS remains relatively unexplored. In this work, we demonstrate DOT-MTS in a ladder-type configuration using87Rb atoms. Both optical-optical double resonance (OODR) and double-resonance optical pumping (DROP) signals are clearly observed. Through systematic optimization of experimental parameters, the system achieves a self-evaluated short-term frequency stability at the 1E-13 level. These results demonstrate the feasibility of DOT-MTS as a high-performance, compact frequency reference and open a promising avenue toward the development of portable optical clocks.
Modulation transfer spectroscopy (MTS) is a widely adopted sub-Doppler spectroscopic technique used for laser stabilization. In conventional MTS, modulation of the pump light is transferred to the probe light within a single atomic transition. A high population of atoms in the ground state is essential for achieving a high signal-to-noise ratio in MTS. Consequently, traditional MTS cannot be effectively applied to atomic transitions between higher energy levels, where the population of atoms is significantly lower. This work proposes a novel approach to stabilize a 1529 nm laser using dual-wavelength MTS. In this scheme, the pump and probe lights are generated by separate lasers, allowing for the modulation transfer process to occur between a 780 nm laser and a 1529 nm laser. Specifically, a prestabilized and modulated 780 nm laser is used as the pump light to interact with atoms, while the 1529 nm laser acts as the probe light to generate the servo signal necessary for locking the 1529 nm laser. This technique is versatile and can be applied to various atomic ensembles, including potassium (K), cesium (Cs), and lithium (Li).
We present a technique for simultaneous laser frequency stabilization on transitions of multiple atomic species with a single optical setup. The method is based on modulation transfer spectroscopy, and the signals are separated by modulating at different frequencies and electronically filtered. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate simultaneous spectroscopy of the potassium D1, D2 and rubidium D2 transitions. The technique can be extended in principle to other atomic species given the availability of optics and cells and allows the development of versatile and compact frequency reference modules.
Optical wavelength standards, based on the optical transitions of atoms or molecules, provide ultra-high precision frequency references and are the core technology of next-generation optical clocks. Their stability far exceeds that of the microwave frequency range, laying the foundation for precision metrology and cutting-edge scientific research. The wavelength standard device based on the 5S1/2-5D3/2 hyperfine level two-photon transition of 87Rb atoms exhibits significant advantages such as no Doppler broadening, high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and potential for miniaturization and chip integration, showing important application potential in precision measurement fields like rubidium atomic clocks and optical communication. In this paper, an experimental setup for two-photon transition was constructed using an external cavity diode laser (ECDL), achieving stable locking of the 778 nm wavelength by modulating the laser current. The effects of the temperature and length of the atomic vapor cell on the blue fluorescence linewidth, SNR, and frequency stability were systematically studied, further optimizing the system. By using an atomic vapor cell designed at Brewster's angle, optical reflection loss was effectively reduced, compensating for the impact of shortened optical path on frequency stability in miniaturized atomic vapor cells. This provides new research directions and performance enhancement solutions for the miniaturization and chip integration of two-photon transition systems. In the improved system, a Brewster-angle glass vapor cell with a length of 30 mm was used and heated to 110°C, achieving a linewidth of 1.69 MHz full width at half maximum (FWHM) and a SNR of 20 dB. The system demonstrated a instability of 9.86×10-11 over a 1-second averaging time and a minimum instability of 5.79×10-11 over a 5.7-second averaging time. This achievement provides key technological support for the practical application of the next generation of miniaturized optical atomic clocks, with the potential for widespread use in portable metrology equipment and space science through integrated design and noise suppression optimization in the future.
A laser with a switchable wavelength between 770 nm and 767 nm, corresponding to the potassium D1 and D2 lines, is a promising tool for manipulating potassium atoms. Here, we develop a potassium Faraday laser using a potassium atom-based Faraday anomalous dispersion optical filter (FADOF) as its frequency selection element. By dynamically adjusting the central frequency of the peak transmission across the entire transmitted spectrum of the potassium FADOF, the laser can operate either in single mode at either 770 nm or 767 nm, or emit both simultaneously. In single-mode operation, the laser wavelength remains aligned with the atomic transitions, exhibiting a narrow linewidth of 14.96 kHz at 770 nm and 13.07 kHz at 767 nm. In dual-mode operation, both modes are sustained continuously, with frequency drifts of less than 0.3 GHz for 200 minutes. Furthermore, we perform modulation transfer spectroscopy (MTS) and stabilize the laser to the 39 K 4S 1/2 F = (1, 2) → 4P 1/2 F ′ = 2 and 4S 1/2 F = (1, 2) → 4P 3/2 F ′ transitions. The corresponding frequency stability, measured by the optical heterodyne beat note between two identical systems, is 1.57 × 10 −12 and 8.77 × 10 −13 at 1 s, respectively. This architecture introduces a novel approach to the generation of wide-range wavelength switching within a single laser. In addition, with its narrow linewidth and impressive frequency stability, it serves as a reliable source for ultracold atom physics and quantum precision measurement.