R -- Special Notice

NIST and University of Colorado scientists, working at JILA in Boulder Colorado (formerly the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics), have developed frequency-domain stabilization techniques which are applicable to ultra-fast pulse lasers operating in the femtosecond time domain. These techniques provide strict control of optical phases of the numerous optical frequency comb components which represent a Fourier domain description of the Ultra-Fast pulses. In this manner it is possible to control the pulse repetition rate with an accuracy limited primarily by the utilized frequency standard, whether optical or microwave. Pulse synchronization and time delay scans can thus be implemented with a new level of precision via rf-domain phase-shift technology. For example, two separate fs lasers have been synchronized with a jitter of <5 fs rms, for a 1 ms averaging time. This precision of time stabilization is maintained for many minutes. A provisional patent has been filed by NIST, but some research issues remain. Industrial firms interested in this technology should contact:Dr. Jack Pevenstein, Office of Technology Partnerships, NIST, Gaithersburg MD, [email protected] (310) 975-5519. General help about working with NIST can be found at http://patapsco.nist.gov/ts/220/external/main.htm. Responsible scientists at JILA:Robert W. Shelton CU graduate student, Long-Sheng Ma, visiting Professor from East China Normal University, Shanghai, Margaret M. Murnane, Professor, University of Colorado, Henry C. Kapteyn, Professor, University of Colorado, John L. Hall, NIST Quantum Physics Division (303) 497-3126, Jun Ye, NIST Quantum Physics Division (303) 735-3171. Ref: Science Magazine, issue of August 17, 2001.