Ultra-Stable Clock Laser for Real-World Quantum Applications

As quantum applications transition from research labs to real-world deployment, demand is growing for laser systems that combine highest frequency stability with operational robustness. The CLS addresses this need by integrating narrow-linewidth external cavity diode laser technology with a highly stable optical reference.

“Our focus was to combine ultimate frequency stability with a system design that is robust and practical to operate. This enables users to benefit from ultra-stable laser performance without the complexity and maintenance efforts of laboratory setups,” says Dr. Florian Schäfer, Development Engineer Laser Reference at TOPTICA.

The system achieves frequency instabilities at the 10⁻¹⁵ level and phase noise levels down to -90 dBc/Hz. It is engineered to minimize environmental influences such as temperature fluctuations, vibrations, and optical power variations. This ensures stable operation over extended periods, even outside controlled laboratory environments.

Available in both tabletop and rack-mounted configurations and across a wide wavelength range, the CLS can be flexibly integrated into applications including optical atomic clocks, quantum computing, quantum simulation, and optical frequency combs.

Further details are presented in the white paper “Design, Implementation, and Performance of the TOPTICA Clock Laser System” by Dr. Florian Schäfer, Dewni Pathegama, and Dr. Filippo Bregolin, describing the system design, stabilization approach, and performance validation of the CLS.