222 research outputs found
Quantum-limited optical time transfer for future geosynchronous links
The combination of optical time transfer and optical clocks opens up the
possibility of large-scale free-space networks that connect both ground-based
optical clocks and future space-based optical clocks. Such networks promise
better tests of general relativity, dark matter searches, and gravitational
wave detection. The ability to connect optical clocks to a distant satellite
could enable space-based very long baseline interferometry (VLBI), advanced
satellite navigation, clock-based geodesy, and thousand-fold improvements in
intercontinental time dissemination. Thus far, only optical clocks have pushed
towards quantum-limited performance. In contrast, optical time transfer has not
operated at the analogous quantum limit set by the number of received photons.
Here, we demonstrate time transfer with near quantum-limited acquisition and
timing at 10,000 times lower received power than previous approaches. Over 300
km between mountaintops in Hawaii with launched powers as low as 40 W,
distant timescales are synchronized to 320 attoseconds. This nearly
quantum-limited operation is critical for long-distance free-space links where
photons are few and amplification costly -- at 4.0 mW transmit power, this
approach can support 102 dB link loss, more than sufficient for future time
transfer to geosynchronous orbits
Synchronization of Distant Optical Clocks at the Femtosecond Level
The use of optical clocks/oscillators in future ultra-precise navigation,
gravitational sensing, coherent arrays, and relativity experiments will require
time comparison and synchronization over terrestrial or satellite free-space
links. Here we demonstrate full unambiguous synchronization of two optical
timescales across a free-space link. The time deviation between synchronized
timescales is below 1 fs over durations from 0.1 s to 6500 s, despite
atmospheric turbulence and kilometer-scale path length variations. Over several
days, the time wander is 40 fs peak-to-peak. Our approach relies on the two-way
reciprocity of a single-spatial-mode optical link, valid to below 225
attoseconds across a turbulent 4-km path. This femtosecond level of
time-frequency transfer should enable optical networks using state-of-the-art
optical clocks/oscillators.Comment: 19 pages, 9 figure
- …