Quantum Limits to frequency combs
Steven Cundiff
Department of Physics and JILA Science, University of Colorado Boulder
Date and time:
Tuesday, March 3, 2015 - 4:30pm
Location:
ECOT 226
Abstract:
Optical frequency combs based on mode-locked lasers have revolutionized optical frequency metrology and enabled optical atomic clocks. In both applications, the comb does not limit the performance. This remarkable situation leads to the natural question of where the limits lie due to quantum effects. In this talk I will briefly introduce frequency combs and then present our efforts to determine the quantum limits to frequency combs generated by mode-locked lasers, both the “work-horse” ti:sapphire laser and a mode-locked fiber laser.