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Laser ablation of calcium and aluminium atoms as a particle source for ion trap
Grim, Jakub ; Pekař, Zdeněk ; Pham, Minh Tuan ; Číp, Ondřej
Laser ablation is an effective method for generating particles from a variety of materials, including those with high evaporation temperatures such as aluminum. The use of high-energy laser pulses enables controlled evaporation of the material and the creation of an ablation crater. Successful results have been obtained in a pilot setup for the generation of neutral calcium and aluminium atoms by laser ablation. The method is being compared with thermal resistance oven in order to optimize the prosec generation of these particles. Subsequent spectroscopic measurements on the generated atoms are performed to optimize the absorption and emission of photons for subsequent ionization in the ion trap. A study of the transitions of neutral Ca and Al atoms shows that laser ablation provides a more efficient generation of atoms with the possibility of greater control over the process.
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Characterization and elimination of thermomechanical effects in interferometric length measurement
Řeřucha, Šimon ; Holá, Miroslava ; Lazar, Josef ; Mikel, Břetislav ; Číp, Ondřej
Continuous efforts to develop dimensional measurements at both the nano- and macro-scale continue to present challenges in extending high-precision measurement procedures from the well-controlled experimental environment of a typically single measurement cycle to a constant-load production environment. In the field of laser interferometry, which is both a cornerstone of length metrology in general and an essential part of nanometrology, we have focused on long-term measurement stability (so-called zero-drift) in measurement scenarios and applications based on (mostly laser) interferometry. A well-characterized and compensated measurement zero-drift in such applications becomes more important both with applications in less controlled environments and with increasing measurement timeframes, such as long scans in microscopic nanometrology, long exposures in electron lithography, or interferometric reference calibrations with a larger number of calibration points or repetitions. The goal of the current research effort is to comprehensively investigate error effects and contributions to measurement uncertainty related to zero-drift in laser interferometry-based applications, with a particular focus on temperature effects (as these typically appear to be the dominant contribution) and approaches to suppress them. This effort involves several complementary directions.
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Optical frequency distribution with full compensation of induced phase noise
Pravdová, Lenka ; Čížek, Martin ; Hrabina, Jan
In applications demanding high optical frequency stability, two or more reference stages are usually necessary to ensure the laser source's short-term and long-term stability. The short-term stability can be obtained by locking the laser to a high-finesse optical cavity, while the long-term stability can be formed by, for example, a hydrogen maser referenced by a synchronisation signal from a GPS receiver. During the distribution of stable optical frequencies to the target applications, the transmitted signal is affected by the interfering effects of the surrounding environment. This is especially evident in optical fibre transfers, where acoustic interference, vibrations and environmental temperature changes cause induced phase noise. This work describes the distribution network of stable optical frequencies between individual frequency references within the ISI CAS laboratories. The key parts of the setup are realised by free-space optics, and all of the optical links are fully compensated to induced phase noise effects.
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Design of a modular miniaturized apparatus for ion trapping
Jedlička, Petr ; Pham, Minh Tuan ; Grim, Jakub ; Čížek, Martin ; Čepil, Adam ; Slodička, L. ; Číp, Ondřej
We are developing a new experimental apparatus for laser cooling of trapped ions, focusing on high electric field homogeneity, modularity and small size. The apparatus allows measurements with Coulomb crystals and easy modification for different experiments. The high homogeneity trap is created by electrospinning, while the modularity allows for the exchange of key parts. By miniaturizing the dimensions, we achieve a larger numerical aperture of the lens and a reduction in the size of the magnetic shielding. This portable apparatus offers new possibilities for ion studies and is promising for applications in satellite systems and reconnaissance satellites.
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Frequency references and dissemination
Hrabina, Jan ; Pravdová, Lenka ; Šarbort, Martin ; Čížek, Martin ; Holá, Miroslava ; Oulehla, Jindřich ; Pokorný, Pavel ; Lazar, Josef ; Číp, Ondřej
The work deals with an overview of research topics of the “Frequency references and dissemination” group, Department of Coherence Optics, Institute of Scientific Instruments, Czech Academy of Sciences. These topics include frequency locking of lasers by laser spectroscopy and high-finnese optical cavities, digital holography and optical frequency tranfers through fiber and free-space optical links.
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System of frequency standards at the ISI
Čížek, Martin ; Hrabina, Jan ; Pravdová, Lenka ; Číp, Ondřej
The contribution presents a system of frequency standards developed at the Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences. It discusses the need for highly coherent optical frequency references for demanding experiments in spectroscopy with cooled atoms. The system comprises interconnected standards operating in the radiofrequency and optical parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, including an active hydrogen maser, a fiber laser locked to a high-finesse optical resonator, and an optical frequency comb. The relative frequency stability of these standards is analyzed, highlighting their suitability for different integration times and applications. The article also describes the experimental setup for comparing the stability of the frequency standards at the Institute of Scientific Instruments with those at the BEV laboratory in Vienna using a stabilized phase-coherent optical fiber link. The results demonstrate the excellent stability of the frequency standards reaching the -15th order of magnitude, essential for spectroscopy and ion trapping experiments.
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The Coherence of Light Emitted by a Linear Coulomb Crystal and Its Mirror Image
Čepil, Adam ; Lešundák, Adam ; Pham, Minh Tuan ; Čížek, Martin ; Grim, Jakub ; Slodička, L. ; Číp, Ondřej
In our work, we focus on the experimental demonstration of two complementary approaches to enhancing the interaction between photons and atoms at the level of individual photons and 40Ca+ ions. We implement a scheme in which the observation of light interference scattered by several trapped atomic ions is further enhanced due to interference with their mirror images. The control of the corresponding collective coherent optical scattering and the possibility of observing the interaction with light emitted by many independent ions modified by optical boundary conditions promises a feasible approach to the effective realization of the interaction between light and matter or to the controlled observation of quantum electrodynamics phenomena with many atoms.
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Optical cavity for ultra-narrow linewidth laser system
Pravdová, Lenka ; Hrabina, Jan ; Čížek, Martin ; Číp, Ondřej ; Procháska, František ; Beneš, Jiří
We designed an optical resonator cavity for narrowing standard commercial laser to sub-Hz linewidth. The optical Fabry Perot resonator is designed hemispherical with all components from ULE material and zero crossing temperature at 33°C. The support Zerodur shelf is isolated from the resonator by two Viton O-rings. The resonator is located in an Aluminium chamber with direct temperature stabilization. 2nd temperature stabilisation is provided by 4 Peltier modules enabling heat exchange between the copper jacket and the assembly surroundings. The stainless-steel jacket has passive isolation and protective function.
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Measurement of magnetic field stability using 40Ca+ ion
Pham, Minh Tuan ; Lešundák, Adam ; Čížek, Martin ; Podhora, L. ; Řeřucha, Šimon ; Jedlička, Petr ; Slodička, L. ; Lazar, Josef ; Číp, Ondřej
One of the main limitations in the long-term measurement of the clock transition's absolute frequency is the magnetic field's fluctuation. The time-varying fluctuation of the external magnetic field leads to frequency shifts of the Zeeman components, thereby reducing the optical clock's frequency stability over time. Currently, optical atomic references are usually implemented with the help of a single ion. However, scaling the number of ions to higher values brings an indisputable benefit in the form of a high signal-to-noise ratio and, thus to the efficiency of the entire measurement process. In this case, the ions are spread over a large area, forming so-called ionic Coulomb crystals. In addition to the spatial stability of the magnetic field, the homogeneity of the magnetic field is also significant when working with Coulomb crystals. Excessive magnetic perturbation can be greatly reduced by covering the assembly with a magnetic shield or by using permanent magnets instead of conventionally used magnetic coils. Another method is averaging over multiple-level transitions. This contribution presents a simple method for measuring the stability of the magnetic field at the ion position.
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System for scanning hydrogen cyanide absorption lines
Hošek, Martin ; Řeřucha, Šimon ; Hrabina, Jan ; Čížek, Martin ; Pravdová, Lenka ; Číp, Ondřej
The definition of both meter and second relies on precisely measured frequency. The convenient sources of such frequencies are lasers stabilized by molecular vapours. The He-Ne lasers stabilized by iodin vapours represent the cornerstone sources in the visible spectrum. On the other hand, the infrared spectrum (particularly the 1550 nm C-band) is of metrological interest thanks to its cost-effective, readily available components. The widely used absorption media at 1550 nm has been two acetylene isotopes (12C2H2, 13C2H2), while H13C14N represents an alternative covering a wider spectrum well corresponding to the telecommunication C-band. The 2ν3 rotational-vibrational band had been investigated, but due to the use of not-so-precise methods, the presented data feature high uncertainty compared to acetylene data. We represent methods that will lead to precise assessments of hydrogen cyanide's absorption line centres with the potential to introduce HCN to Mise en Pratique, making it an internationally recognized source of precise frequency for the realization of traceable laser etalons.
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