Ultraprecise measurement of optical frequency ratios

We developed a novel technique for frequency measurement and synthesis, based on the operation of a femtosecond comb generator as transfer oscillator. The technique can be used to measure frequency ratios of any optical signals throughout the visible and near-infrared part of the spectrum. Relative uncertainties of 10(-18) for averaging times of 100 s are possible. Using a Nd:YAG laser in combination with a nonlinear crystal we measured the frequency ratio of the second harmonic nu(SH) at 532 nm to the fundamental nu(0) at 1064 nm, nu(SH)/nu(0) = 2.000 000 000 000 000 001 x (1 +/- 7 x 10(-19)).