103 research outputs found
Self-referencing a continuous-wave laser with electro-optic modulation
We phase-coherently measure the frequency of continuous-wave (CW) laser light
by use of optical-phase modulation and f-2f nonlinear interferometry. Periodic
electro-optic modulation (EOM) transforms the CW laser into a continuous train
of picosecond optical pulses. Subsequent nonlinear-fiber broadening of this EOM
frequency comb produces a supercontinuum with 160 THz of bandwidth. A critical
intermediate step is optical filtering of the EOM comb to reduce
electronic-noise-induced decoherence of the supercontinuum. Applying f-2f
self-referencing with the supercontinuum yields the carrier-envelope offset
frequency of the EOM comb, which is precisely the difference of the CW laser
frequency and an exact integer multiple of the EOM pulse repetition rate. Here
we demonstrate absolute optical frequency metrology and synthesis applications
of the self-referenced CW laser with <5E-14 fractional accuracy and stability.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figure
Assignment of the NV0 575 nm zero-phonon line in diamond to a 2E-2A2 transition
The time-averaged emission spectrum of single nitrogen-vacancy defects in
diamond gives zero-phonon lines of both the negative charge state at 637 nm
(1.945 eV) and the neutral charge state at 575 nm (2.156 eV). This occurs
through photo-conversion between the two charge states. Due to strain in the
diamond the zero-phonon lines are split and it is found that the splitting and
polarization of the two zero-phonon lines are the same. From this observation
and consideration of the electronic structure of the nitrogen-vacancy center it
is concluded that the excited state of the neutral center has A2 orbital
symmetry. The assignment of the 575 nm transition to a 2E - 2A2 transition has
not been established previously.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figure
Microresonator frequency comb optical clock
Optical frequency combs serve as the clockwork of optical clocks, which are now the best time-keeping systems in existence. The use of precise optical time and frequency technology in various applications beyond the research lab remains a significant challenge, but one that integrated microresonator technology is poised to address. Here, we report a silicon-chip-based microresonator comb optical clock that converts an optical frequency reference to a microwave signal. A comb spectrum with a 25 THz span is generated with a 2 mm diameter silica disk and broadening in nonlinear fiber. This spectrum is stabilized to rubidium frequency references separated by 3.5 THz by controlling two teeth 108 modes apart. The optical clock’s output is the electronically countable 33 GHz microcomb line spacing, which features stability better than the rubidium transitions by the expected factor of 108. Our work demonstrates the comprehensive set of tools needed for interfacing microcombs to state-of-the-art optical clocks
Phase-coherent microwave-to-optical link with a self-referenced microcomb
Precise measurements of the frequencies of light waves have become common with mode-locked laser frequency combs1. Despite their huge success, optical frequency combs currently remain bulky and expensive laboratory devices. Integrated photonic microresonators are promising candidates for comb generators in out-of-the-lab applications, with the potential for reductions in cost, power consumption and size. Such advances will significantly impact fields ranging from spectroscopy and trace gas sensing to astronomy, communications and atomic time-keeping. Yet, in spite of the remarkable progress shown over recent years, microresonator frequency combs (‘microcombs’) have been without the key function of direct f–2f self-referencing, which enables precise determination of the absolute frequency of each comb line. Here, we realize this missing element using a 16.4 GHz microcomb that is coherently broadened to an octave-spanning spectrum and subsequently fully phase-stabilized to an atomic clock. We show phase-coherent control of the comb and demonstrate its low-noise operation
Phase Coherent Link of an Atomic Clock to a Self-Referenced Microresonator Frequency Comb
The counting and control of optical cycles of light has become common with
modelocked laser frequency combs. But even with advances in laser technology,
modelocked laser combs remain bulk-component devices that are hand-assembled.
In contrast, a frequency comb based on the Kerr-nonlinearity in a dielectric
microresonator will enable frequency comb functionality in a micro-fabricated
and chip-integrated package suitable for use in a wide-range of environments.
Such an advance will significantly impact fields ranging from spectroscopy and
trace gas sensing, to astronomy, communications, atomic time keeping and
photonic data processing. Yet in spite of the remarkable progress shown over
the past years, microresonator frequency combs ("microcombs") have still been
without the key function of direct f-2f self-referencing and phase-coherent
frequency control that will be critical for enabling their full potential. Here
we realize these missing elements using a low-noise 16.4 GHz silicon chip
microcomb that is coherently broadened from its initial 1550 nm wavelength and
subsequently f-2f self-referenced and phase-stabilized to an atomic clock. With
this advance, we not only realize the highest repetition rate octave-span
frequency comb ever achieved, but we highlight the low-noise microcomb
properties that support highest atomic clock limited frequency stability
Focused Deterrence and the Prevention of Violent Gun Injuries: Practice, Theoretical Principles, and Scientific Evidence
Focused deterrence strategies are a relatively new addition to a growing portfolio of evidence-based violent gun injury prevention practices available to policy makers and practitioners. These strategies seek to change offender behavior by understanding the underlying violence-producing dynamics and conditions that sustain recurring violent gun injury problems and by implementing a blended strategy of law enforcement, community mobilization, and social service actions. Consistent with documented public health practice, the focused deterrence approach identifies underlying risk factors and causes of recurring violent gun injury problems, develops tailored responses to these underlying conditions, and measures the impact of implemented interventions. This article reviews the practice, theoretical principles, and evaluation evidence on focused deterrence strategies. Although more rigorous randomized studies are needed, the available empirical evidence suggests that these strategies generate noteworthy gun violence reduction impacts and should be part of a broader portfolio of violence prevention strategies available to policy makers and practitioners
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