Frequency stabilization for space-based missions using optical fiber interferometry
Date
2013-02-01
Authors
McRae, Terry G
Ngo, Silvie
Shaddock, Daniel A
Hsu, Magnus T L
Gray, Malcolm B
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Optical Society of America
Abstract
We present measurement results for a laser frequency reference, implemented with an all-optical fiber Michelson interferometer, down to frequencies as low as 1 mHz. Optical fiber is attractive for space-based operations as it is physically robust, small and lightweight. The small free spectral range of fiber interferometers also provides the possibility to prestabilize two lasers on two distant spacecraft and ensures that the beatnote remains within the detector bandwidth. We demonstrate that these fiber interferometers are viable candidates for future laser-based gravity recovery and climate experiment missions requiring a stability of 30 Hz/√Hz over a 10 mHz-1 Hz bandwidth.
Description
Keywords
Keywords: A-stability; Fiber interferometers; Fiber Michelson interferometer; Free spectral range; Frequency stabilization; Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment missions; Laser frequency; Measurement results; Optical-fiber interferometry; Space-based; Space-base
Citation
Collections
Source
Optics letters
Type
Journal article
Book Title
Entity type
Access Statement
Open Access
License Rights
DOI
10.1364/OL.38.000278