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

Dual-Optical-Transition Modulation Transfer Spectroscopy Based on Ladder-Type Energy Structure

Jingming Chen, Jie Miao, Yuanchen Qi, Qiaohui Yang, Zhendong Chen, Duo Pan, Jingbiao Chen

Published May 12, 2025• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

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.

DOI
10.1109/eftf/ifcs64367.2025.11194348

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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.
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.
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 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.
Abstract Optical clocks with thermal atoms are characterized by compact size, simple structure, reduced weight, and low power consumption and have the potential for broad out-of-the-lab and commercial applications. Here, we demonstrate a 459 nm optical clock based on the 6S 1/2 –7P 1/2 transition in thermal 133 Cs atoms. Two methods, modulation transfer spectroscopy (MTS) and frequency modulation spectroscopy (FMS), are employed to stabilize the frequency of a 459 nm commercial laser to the atomic transition. The MTS-MTS and MTS-FMS beat-note measurements show short-term frequency stabilities of 3.7 × 10 − 13 / τ and 6.4 × 10 − 13 / τ , respectively, at the averaging time τ . The 459 nm passive optical clock further serves as the pump for an active 1470 nm optical clock based on the cavityless lasing. The resultant 1470 nm output power reaches over 10 μW and the pump-beam-induced light shift is estimated to be 2 π × 11 Hz with a fractional uncertainty of 2.4 × 10 −18 . These results demonstrate the feasibility of hybridizing passive and active optical clocks, providing a promising route toward compact multi-wavelength optical frequency standards.
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.
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.