Frequency comb-to-comb stabilization over a 1.3-km free-space atmospheric optical link

Stabilizing a frequency comb to an ultra-stable optical frequency reference requires a multitude of optoelectronic peripherals that have to operate under strict ambient control. Meanwhile, the frequency comb-to-comb stabilization aims to synchronize a slave comb to a well-established master comb with a substantial saving in required equipment and efforts. Here, we report an utmost case of frequency comb-to-comb stabilization made through a 1.3 km freespace optical (FSO) link by coherent transfer of two separate comb lines along with a feedback suppression control of atmospheric phase noise. The FSO link offers a transfer stability of 1.7 x 10(-)(15) at 0.1 s averaging, while transporting the master comb's stability of 1.2 x 10(-)(15) at 1.0 s over the entire spectrum of the slave comb. Our remote comb-to-comb stabilization is intended to expedite diverse long-distance ground-to-ground or ground-to-satellite applications; as demonstrated here for broadband molecular spectroscopy over a 6 THz bandwidth as well as ultra-stable microwaves generation with phase noise of -80 dBc Hz(-1) at 1 Hz.

Automated summary

In this study, frequency comb-to-comb stabilization is achieved through coherent transfer of two separate comb lines via a freespace optical link, with strict control of atmospheric phase noise. This method has potential value in applications such as broadband molecular spectroscopy and ultra-stable microwave generation.