Comparison of symmetric and asymmetric double quantum well extended-cavity diode lasers for broadband passive mode-locking at 780 nm.

We present a compact, mode-locked diode laser system designed to emit a frequency comb in the wavelength range around 780 nm. We compare the mode-locking performance of symmetric and asymmetric double quantum well ridge-waveguide diode laser chips in an extended-cavity diode laser configuration. By reverse biasing a short section of the diode laser chip, passive mode-locking at 3.

Development of a compact optical absolute frequency reference for space with 10 instability.

We report on a compact and ruggedized setup for laser frequency stabilization employing Doppler-free spectroscopy of molecular iodine near 532 nm. Using a 30 cm long iodine cell in a triple-pass configuration in combination with noise-canceling detection and residual amplitude modulation control, a frequency instability of 6×10 at 1 s integration time and a Flicker noise floor below 3×10 for integration times between 100 and 1000 s was found. A specific assembly-integration technology was applied for the realization of the spectroscopy setup, ensuring high beam pointing stability and high thermal and mechanical rigidity.

Direct terrestrial test of Lorentz symmetry in electrodynamics to 10(-18).

Lorentz symmetry is a foundational property of modern physics, underlying the standard model of particles and general relativity. It is anticipated that these two theories are low-energy approximations of a single theory that is unified and consistent at the Planck scale. Many unifying proposals allow Lorentz symmetry to be broken, with observable effects appearing at Planck-suppressed levels; thus, precision tests of Lorentz invariance are needed to assess and guide theoretical efforts.

Frequency characteristics of an inherently stable Nd:YAG laser operated at liquid helium temperature.

We report on frequency measurements of a free-running Nd:YAG laser operating at temperatures down to 6.5 K using a femtosecond laser frequency comb. Due to lower thermal expansion and thermo-optic effects as well as reduced electron-phonon interactions in Nd:YAG at cryogenic temperatures, a laser frequency stability on the order of 10(-11) at tau < or = 30s has been achieved.

Tests of relativity by complementary rotating Michelson-Morley experiments.

We report relativity tests based on data from two simultaneous Michelson-Morley experiments, spanning a period of more than 1 yr. Both were actively rotated on turntables. One (in Berlin, Germany) uses optical Fabry-Perot resonators made of fused silica; the other (in Perth, Australia) uses microwave whispering-gallery sapphire resonators.

Test of the isotropy of the speed of light using a continuously rotating optical resonator.

We report on a test of Lorentz invariance performed by comparing the resonance frequencies of one stationary optical resonator and one continuously rotating on a precision air bearing turntable. Special attention is paid to the control of rotation induced systematic effects. Within the photon sector of the standard model extension, we obtain improved limits on combinations of 8 parameters at a level of a few parts in 10(-16).

Offset compensation by use of amplitude-modulated sidebands in optical frequency standards.

We present a general method for continuously measuring and compensating for offsets (due to residual amplitude modulation, parasitic resonances, or electronic offset voltages, for example) in frequency stabilization systems. The spectral power distribution of the oscillator waveform is modified by amplitude-modulated sidebands, and the error signal is corrected to null the induced periodic lock-point shifts. We demonstrate significant improvements to the frequency stability of standards based on cryogenic optical resonators and molecular iodine.