Department or Program
Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
Accurately measuring optical frequencies is an important challenge in modern physics because of the rapidity of optical oscillations. Frequency combs have revolutionized the measurement of these optical frequencies, providing us with a device that has applications in atomic clocks, precision distance measurements, molecular and atomic spectroscopy, and astronomy. Frequency combs are a special class of laser that produces many discrete, precisely known optical modes. Thus they work as a form of "ruler" for optical frequencies, providing us with a reference standard to measure and control other optical frequencies.
This thesis documents the design, construction, and performance of an erbium fiber mode-locked frequency comb that was built in the Cole lab at Bates College. In this process, the carrier envelope offset frequency and repetition rate of the comb are stabilized by the configuration and optimization of servo loops. Radio frequency spectra of the lock and optical comb spectra measurements are provided to document its performance. The long-term stability of the comb was also analyzed through the use of Allan deviation. The stability of the RIO laser controlling the repetition rate is the limiting factor on the overall stability of the comb so digital feedback was used to provide temperature stabilization of this laser. This improved the Allan deviation frequency precision to about 10-9. To further improve this precision, the RIO laser will be locked to an H13C14N transition via a gas cell.
Level of Access
Open Access
First Advisor
Cole, Ryan
Date of Graduation
5-2025
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Recommended Citation
White, Julia, "Optical Frequency Comb Stabilization as an Optical Frequency Reference" (2025). Honors Theses. 480.
https://scarab.bates.edu/honorstheses/480
Number of Pages
55
Components of Thesis
1 pdf file
