English

Progress in Laser Physics: Reducing Residual Amplitude Modulation for Accurate Measurement

1231
2024-03-18 13:56:19
See translation

Driven by the pioneering work of scientists such as John Young Hall, significant progress has been made in precision measurement in the field of laser physics. His contribution to laser frequency stability and precise measurement using lasers has led to groundbreaking techniques that significantly reduce residual amplitude modulation.

John Hall's research focuses on understanding and manipulating stable lasers, laying the technical foundation for measuring small fractional distance changes caused by gravitational waves passing through them. This work on laser arrays earned him the 2005 Nobel Prize in Physics.

On this basis, JILA and NIST academicians Jun Ye and their team embarked on an ambitious journey to expand the boundaries of precision measurement. They focus on improving the Pound Reverse Hall (PDH) method, a specialized technique developed by RV Pound, Ronald Drever, and Jan Hall, which plays a crucial role in precision optical interferometry and laser frequency stability.

Although the PDH method is crucial for ensuring laser frequency stability, the limitations of residual amplitude modulation (RAM) may affect measurement accuracy. In a recent paper published in Optica, Ye's team, along with JILA electronics staff Ivan Ryger and Hall, proposed a new PDH method. This method reduces RAM to an unprecedented low level, simplifies the system, and enhances robustness.

PDH technology is the foundation of various experiments, from gravitational wave interferometers to optical clocks. Further improvement of this technology can bring progress to many scientific fields.

The PDH method was introduced in 1983 and has become the cornerstone of laser physics, widely used in various experiments. It precisely measures laser frequency or phase fluctuations by introducing special "sidebands" around the main beam (referred to as the "carrier"). Comparing these sidebands with the main carrier helps detect subtle changes in frequency or phase relative to the reference, thereby reducing noise and errors.

Physicists use this technique to detect different environments, such as optical cavities made of mirrors, by "locking" the laser into the cavity. However, noise like RAM can alter the relative offset of the reference beam, thereby affecting stability.

Reducing RAM is crucial for improving the stability of PDH technology and laser measurement. The new method developed by JILA researchers is expected to simplify this task and make significant progress in precision measurement and laser physics.

Source: Laser Net

Related Recommendations
  • FABULOUS provides certified food safety 3D printing materials to the United States

    As is well known, 3D printing is becoming increasingly popular and expanding its application areas to different fields. Additive manufacturing has been established in the aerospace, automotive, and medical industries and is now being used in the production of consumer goods and luxury goods, construction, and food industries. On the one hand, this mainly involves innovative edible products from 3D...

    2024-05-27
    See translation
  • Ring Laser Accuracy: Unprecedented Daily Measurement and Mapping of Earth's Rotation

    Scientists at the Technical University of Munich have made significant progress in measuring the Earth's rotation with unprecedented accuracy. Now, the ring laser from the Wettzell Geodetic Observatory can be used to capture data at a quality level unmatched anywhere in the world. These measurements are crucial for determining the position of the Earth in space, assisting climate research, and imp...

    2023-11-14
    See translation
  • Comparison of Blue and Infrared Wavelength in Pure Nickel Laser Deep Fusion Welding Process

    It is reported that researchers from BIAS Bremer Institution f ü r angewandte Strahltechnik GmbH in Germany have reported a comparative study of laser deep penetration welding processes for pure nickel using blue and infrared light wavelengths. The related research was published in Welding in the World under the title "Process comparison of laser deep penetration welding in pure nickel using blue ...

    2024-08-13
    See translation
  • Guangfeng Technology releases the world's first versatile laser headlights

    On April 25th, 2024, the Beijing International Auto Show officially opened, and Guangfeng Technology released the world's first ALL-IN-ONE all-around laser headlights.This headlight is the first to integrate multiple functions such as high beam ADB headlights, color changing temperature headlights, fog lights, ground information display, car cinema, etc. into a small volume headlight module, achie...

    2024-04-29
    See translation
  • Optical Capture of Optical Nanoparticles: Fundamentals and Applications

    A new article published in Optoelectronic Science reviews the basic principles and applications of optical capture of optical nanoparticles. Optical nanoparticles are one of the key elements in photonics. They can not only perform optical imaging on various systems, but also serve as highly sensitive remote sensors.Recently, the success of optical tweezers in separating and manipulating individual...

    2023-11-25
    See translation