Time and Frequency Transfer using optical Frequency Combs

Purpose and goal

The purpose of the project is to keep the national laboratory up to date with the current technology shift from microwave technologies to optical technologies and thus prepared for the upcoming redefinition of the second by building expertise and ability to transfer time and frequency at optical frequencies.

Expected effects and result

The project´s results will consist partly of the increased understanding of the technology, partly of the technical equipment that, through the implementation of two frequency combs, could monitor the phase of two fiber-connected time scales that are based either on optical frequency standards or classical microwave standards.

Planned approach and implementation

The project will run over 24 months and will begin with the purchase of components and the construction of a measurement system. In the end, methods will be developed for locking continuous lasers to selected teeth of an optical frequency comb and for reading out their relative optical phase relationship. Finally, the measurement system will be tested through a fiber loop in an urban network. Results will be presented at a suitable scientific conference.