Optical-clock local-oscillator stabilization scheme

Abstract

Stabilization of a laser to an optical-clock transition has been demonstrated using Ramsey's phase-modulation technique. The technique was implemented using a 674 nm laser and a component of the 5 s 2S1/2 → 4d 2D5/2 optical clock transition in a single 88Sr+ ion. The lock performance observed was consistent with the short-term stability of the local oscillator. Compared with existing frequency-modulation stabilization schemes, this technique offers advantages for use in single-ion optical clocks through its possible increased resolution and the ability to conveniently compensate known systematic shifts.