Hybrid Frequency Stabilization and Determination Unit Based on a High-Finesse Optical Cavity and Molecular Iodine

Kurzfassung

This paper presents the latest developments of a hybrid system offering frequency stability at the 10-15-level and simultaneous absolute frequency determination for metrology applications. The system combines a high-finesse optical cavity with an iodine vapor cell based absolute frequency readout unit. The optical cavity setup within the hybrid system is developed with emphasis on space compatibility. It utilizes a compact optical circulator-based in-coupling technique and fulfills the frequency stability requirements of ESA’s NGGM mission. The absolute frequency readout unit complements the system as a laboratory setup, utilizing an offset sideband lock in conjunction with a simplified absorption spectroscopy unit based on a third derivative locking technique.