Prospects for a Millihertz-Linewidth Laser
Abstract
We propose a new light source based on having alkaline-earth atoms in an optical lattice collectively emit photons on an ultranarrow clock transition into the mode of a high Q resonator. The resultant optical radiation has an extremely narrow linewidth in the mHz range, even smaller than that of the clock transition itself due to collective effects. A power level of order 10-12W is possible, sufficient for phase locking a slave optical local oscillator. Realizing this light source has the potential to improve the stability of the best clocks by 2 orders of magnitude.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review Letters
- Pub Date:
- April 2009
- DOI:
- arXiv:
- arXiv:0901.3105
- Bibcode:
- 2009PhRvL.102p3601M
- Keywords:
-
- 42.50.Nn;
- 06.30.Ft;
- 37.10.Jk;
- 37.30.+i;
- Quantum optical phenomena in absorbing dispersive and conducting media;
- Time and frequency;
- Atoms in optical lattices;
- Atoms molecules and ions in cavities;
- Quantum Physics;
- Physics - Atomic Physics
- E-Print:
- minor revisions + shortening