Locking a laser to a stable frequency reference

• Grant number: 25/18987-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Principal Investigator: Amilson Rogelso Fritsch
• Grantee: Iago Ferreira de Morais
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/08433-8 - Building an Ion-Trap for Quantum Computing and Precise Measurements, AP.QUTIA.JP

Abstract

The recent advancement of quantum technologies has highlighted the diversity of applications involving neutral atoms, ions, and molecules. In all these cases, the use of lasers is essential, either for cooling atoms or for manipulating their quantum states, which makes them broadly applicable. Due to the high complexity of these experiments, lasers must be stabilized in frequency and power, not only to ensure greater reproducibility but also to enable studies that would be inaccessible without such stabilization. For frequency locking, a reliable reference source is required, whose complexity depends on the linewidth demanded, typically provided by atomic transitions in vapor cells or by Fabry-Perot cavities. The transitions employed in quantum computing - the main theme of this project - are extremely narrow and allow the creation of optical qubits and quantum memories. In this context, frequency stabilization of lasers to high-finesse, ultra-stable Fabry-Perot cavities is indispensable. In this project, we will stabilize a laser to an ultra-stable, high-finesse cavity, which will serve as a reference for locking a frequency comb. This equipment will allow transferring the stability of the master laser to several others, in particular to the 674 nm wavelength, applied to manipulate optical qubits in our trapped-ion experiments.