High-power, fiber-laser-based source for magic-wavelength trapping in neutral-atom optical clocks

We present a continuous-wave, 810 nm laser with watt-level powers. Our system is based on difference-frequency generation of 532 and 1550 nm fiber lasers in a single pass through periodically poled lithium niobate. We measure the broadband spectral noise and relative intensity noise to be compatible with off-resonant dipole trapping of ultracold atoms. Given the large bandwidth of the fiber amplifiers, the output can be optimized for a range of wavelengths, including the strontium clock-magic-wavelength of 813 nm. Furthermore, with the exploration of more appropriate nonlinear crystals, we believe that there is a path toward scaling this proof-of-principle design to many watts of power and that this approach could provide a robust, rack-mountable trapping laser for future use in strontium-based optical clocks.& nbsp;Published under an exclusive license by AIP Publishing

Automated summary

This article introduces a watt-level 810 nm laser system based on difference-frequency generation of fiber lasers and single-pass transmission through periodically poled lithium niobate. The output of the laser can be tailored to various wavelengths, including the strontium clock-magic-wavelength of 813 nm. With the possibility of scaling to higher power levels and providing a robust trapping laser, this approach shows promise for future use in strontium-based optical clocks.