Special Talk
Synthesizing Light
Presented by Scott Diddams, NIST and University of Colorado Boulder
Frequency synthesis is ubiquitous in all aspects of our modern technological society, with examples being found in wide ranging applications from computing, communications and navigation systems to sensors and scientific instrumentation. Historically, the generation and precise control of electromagnetic radiation has been confined to the radio frequency and microwave domains, but "light gears" based on optical frequency combs dramatically expand the synthesis bandwidth to cover the entire terahertz and optical domains as well. In this talk, I will describe the laser and photonic tools we use to synthesize light with precise control over its phase and frequency. This is the basis of a new generation of optical clocks that now track time to 18 digits, as well as the driver of applications we are pursing in fields ranging from infrared trace gas sensing to astronomy. In addition, I will present light synthesizers based on parametric oscillation in low-loss microresonators. Such miniature devices now enable optical frequency synthesis on a photonic-integrated-chip.
11:00 am, Wednesday, September 12, 2018
PAIS-2540, PAIS
Individuals with disabilities who need an auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in P&A events should contact the Physics Department (phone: 505-277-2616, email: physics@unm.edu) well in advance to ensure your needs are accomodated. Event handouts can be provided in alternative accessible formats upon request. Please contact the Physics front office if you need written information in an alternative format.
A schedule of talks within the Department of Physics and Astronomy is available on the P&A web site at http://physics.unm.edu/pandaweb/events/index.php