Minimizing laser phase noise with machine learningUltra-precise lasers can be used for optical atomi
Minimizing laser phase noise with machine learning
Ultra-precise lasers can be used for optical atomic clocks, quantum computers, power cable monitoring, and much more. But all lasers make noise, which researchers from DTU Fotonik want to minimize using machine learning.
The perfect laser does not exist. There will always be a bit of phase noise because the laser light frequency moves back and forth a little. Phase noise prevents the laser from producing light waves with the perfect steadiness that is otherwise a characteristic feature of the laser.
Most of the lasers we use on a daily basis do not need to be completely precise. For example, it is of no importance whether the frequency of the red laser light in the supermarket barcode scanners varies slightly when reading the barcodes. But for certain applications—for example in optical atomic clocks and optical measuring instruments—it is absolutely crucial that the laser is stable so that the light frequency does not vary.
One way of getting closer to an ultra-precise laser is if you can determine the phase noise. This may enable you to find a way of compensating for it, so that the result becomes a purer and more accurate laser beam.
