Scientists Achieve Remarkable 100kHz Linewidth in Compact Vapor Cell
Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in creating a remarkably narrow linewidth of 100kHz for a key strontium atomic transition within a compact, microfabricated quantum cell. The tiny cell, measuring just 9x14x4.4 millimetres, opens doors to affordable and scalable frequency references and laser locking mechanisms for next-generation quantum technologies.
The team's work, published in a leading scientific journal, demonstrates a substantial step towards compact and precise quantum technologies. The microfabricated cell enables the creation of inexpensive, scalable frequency references and laser locking mechanisms, which are crucial for next-generation cold-atom atomic clocks and quantum experiments.
This remarkable achievement also sets a new upper limit on the purity of the vacuum within these cells. The residual gas pressure is limited to just 10 mTorr, indicating an exceptionally clean environment for the atomic transitions to occur.
The team's work paves the way for wider accessibility and deployment of advanced quantum technologies. The compact size and low cost of the microfabricated cells make them ideal for integration into various quantum systems, bringing us closer to the realisation of precise, portable quantum devices.
