Optical frequency comb comparison between optical clock mode and optical frequency synthesizer mode

Abstract

We report on an accuracy limit test result of the optical frequency comb technique by comparing the frequencies of two optical frequency combs that operate in two different modes. These two modes are distinguished by the reference frequency for the comb frequency stabilization; an optical frequency (in an optical clock mode) or a microwave frequency (in an optical frequency synthesizer mode). The comparison of the two combs was carried out by simultaneously measuring an absolute frequency of an acetylene-stabilized diode laser with both combs. The frequencies of the two combs agreed with each other within the uncertainty of 16 Hz at 194 THz. The uncertainty is reduced by more than an order compared with a previous report. (c) 2011 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). [DOI: 10.1117/1.3533731]