Open AccessNonlinear polarization spectroscopy of a Rydberg state for laser stabilization
Author(s) -
David Meyer,
Paul D. Kunz,
Neal Solmeyer
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
applied optics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0003-6935
DOI - 10.1364/ao.56.000b92
Subject(s) - laser linewidth , laser , optics , spectroscopy , rydberg formula , polarization (electrochemistry) , rydberg state , coherence (philosophical gambling strategy) , materials science , physics , atomic physics , chemistry , quantum mechanics , ion , ionization
We demonstrate modulation-free laser stabilization to an atomic Rydberg transition using nonlinear polarization spectroscopy. To stabilize a laser to the upper transition of a three-level ladder scheme, the techniques of standard polarization spectroscopy are adapted to use a narrow, nonlinear coherence feature. We obtain a subnatural linewidth dispersive signal that is directly suitable for laser frequency stabilization. We examine the effect of laser polarization on the dispersive line shape. This technique stabilizes the laser to an absolute frequency reference, can be used with numerous Rydberg levels, and eliminates laser modulation, which can enable high bandwidth feedback.