Paz-Soldan AtomClock

PHYS 450 Design Project Final Report:
Rubidium Atomic Clock

Josh Bendavid 492-0047
David Burns 492-0860
Secretary Joseph Fox 496-8274
Safety Officer Gaetan Kenway 486-7146
Group Leader Carlos Paz-Soldan 489-3718
Devon Stopps 490-9611
April 10th , 2007
Abstract
We report on the detailed design, construction, and performance analysis of an optically pumped
atomic frequency standard based on the 6.8 GHz 87 Rb hyperfine transition. Pumping of the F=1 ground
state was achieved using a custom built, tunable, external-cavity diode laser, locked to the Fg=2 →
Fe=2 780 nm transition of 87 Rb, using a saturated absorption spectroscopy. The design features a
microwave oscillator stabilized to the 6.8 GHz transition using feedback from a cyclic double resonance
resolved using frequency keyed modulation of the microwave source. Short and long term timing stability
measurements could not be completed due to difficulties with the microwave frequency division and
acquisition. Nevertheless, in addition to optically pumping F=1 ground state, our optical configuration
is also capable of resolving the hyperfine structure of the 780nm transition in both 87 Rb and 85 Rb,
allowing for this setup to be converted into a saturated spectroscopy experiment for the advanced physics
laboratory.
1
Acknowledgements
The contributions of the numerous individuals, friends and faculty, who aided with this work cannot be
overstated. We would like to thank our supervisor, Dr. Hallin, for his invaluable insight and aid in securing
the capital required to fund this work. Many thanks also to Ken for the hours you invested helping and
advising us. You went far above and beyond what was required and we are appreciative. Dirk, Bernie, and
Kim, without your help, this work would not have been possible; we cannot thank you enough. Andrew
Joyce, thank you very much for your help with the last minute PCB fabrication, we are all certainly indebted
to you. Finally, we must also thank all the other remaining faculty and friends, of whom there are many,
who supported us through this project; we are grateful.
2
Contents
1 Introduction 6
2 Quantifiable Objectives 6
2.1 Tuneable Laser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.2 Absorption Spectrum of Rubidium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.3 Optical Locking to Hyperfine Peak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.4 Double Resonance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.5 Frequency Stability Characterization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.6 Refinement of Quantitative Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3 Theory 7
3.1 87 Rb-beam Optically Pumped Atomic Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.2 Littrow Configuration Tunable Diode Laser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.3 Saturated Absorption Spectroscopy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4 Experimental Setup 10
4.1 Experimental Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.2 Littrow Tunable Diode Laser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.3 Saturated Spectroscopy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.3.1 Optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.3.2 Electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.4 Microwave Synthesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.4.1 Quadrature Oscillator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.4.2 Multiplexer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.4.3 Waveguide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.4.4 Feedback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.4.5 Frequency Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.5 Frequency/Timing Stability Characterization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.5.1 Short Term Frequency Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4.5.2 Long Term Timing Stability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.6 Microwave Cavity and Waveguide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5 Results 20
5.1 Tunable Laser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.1.1 Angle Dependence of Lasing Wavelength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.1.2 Temperature Stabilization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
5.1.3 Constant Current Driver Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.2 Saturated Spectroscopy of Rubidium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
6 Responsibilities and Timeline 27

6.1 Organization of Team Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
6.2 Gantt Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
7 Safety 28
8 Conclusion 29
9 Group Statement 29
References 29
3
A Purchased Parts List 32
B Circuit Schematics 33
B.1 Optical Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
B.2 PCB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
B.3 Temperature Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
C CAD Drawings 40
D Sample Code 51
E Data Sheets 59
E.1 Tunable Laser Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
E.2 Microwave Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
4
List of Figures
1 Energy level diagram of the 87 Rb-beam D2 resonance line [18] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2 The Diffraction Grating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3 Overview of Experimental Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4 Laser Diode Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5 Laser diode comparison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
6 Saturated Spectroscopy Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
7 Microwave synthesis and feedback chain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
8 Electromagnetic Simulation of waveguide antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
9 Illustration of microwave modulation about a center frequency on the double resonance peak. 16
10 Schematic circuit diagram of the microwave feedback circuit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
11 Short term frequency stability instrumentation setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
12 Testing GPS reception in outdoor mounting location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
13 Long term frequency stability instrumentation setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
14 Gaussian Beam Profiles at Various Tuning Knob Angles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
15 Tuning with Knob Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
16 Step Response of Temperature Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
17 Lasing Current in Constant Current Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
18 Low Frequency Hyperfine Peaks of Natural Rubidium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
19 High Frequency Hyperfine Peaks of Natural Rubidium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
20 F=2→F’ 87 Rb Transition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
21 The effect of acoustic noise on the optical lock circuit. The satspec differential signal is shown
to oscillate outside the lock bandwidth at ∼1.2kHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
22 Gantt Chart for Atomic Clock Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
A-1 Satspec optical side-lock circuitry schematic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
A-2 PCB top section is quadrature oscillator, bottom is high frequency divider . . . . . . . . . . . 35
A-3 PCB for serial-controlled frequency divider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
A-4 Schematic showing quadrature synthesis and switching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
A-5 P+I Temperature Control Circuit for Laser Diode and Baseplate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
A-6 Rubidum cell mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
A-7 Waveguide design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
A-8 Microwave cavity design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
5
1 Introduction
Extremely high accuracy measures of time or frequency are required in many areas of scientific research.
They are also essential in the maintenance of international time standards, the operation of many telecom-
munications systems, and the accuracy of the GPS network. A general method of producing a very precise
and accurate frequency standard, is to lock-in a microwave resonator to the an atomic transitions of some
species. Typically, Cesium or Rubidium are used for this purpose.
It was proposed to build an optically pumped atomic clock based on the 6.835 GHz hyperfine transition
of the 87 Rb 5S1/2 ground state. Pumping is achieved through the use of a tunable laser centered on the
87
Rb F=2 → F’=2 hyperfine transition, which effectively spin polarizes the Rb atoms in the F=1 ground
state. A microwave is then used to complete a cyclic double resonance by re-exciting the F=1 atoms back
to the F=2 state. The frequency required to engage this double resonance is known quantum mechanically,
and by counting the EM oscillations this can be used to produce a highly accurate frequency standard. This
frequency standard was then to be compared with both quartz oscillator reference clocks and the NIST
time
√ standard available over the GPS network. As the GPS receiver can generate time stamps accurate to
2 × 10−6 s over arbitrary time scales, counting the clock frequency for 105 s would give an accuracy to one
part in 10−11 , the expected limit of this technology.
It was also proposed to turn this setup upon completion into a saturated spectroscopy experiment for
the advanced physics laboratory. A higher than average budget was thus justified as the experimental setup
would be reused in future years.
2 Quantifiable Objectives
Although the overall objective of the project is to build a functioning Rubidium atomic frequency standard,
and to characterize its performance, doing so requires many sub-components, each with their own set of
quantifiable goals. To construct an optically pumped atomic clock requires first locking a laser to the
appropriate hyperfine transition, and then using that laser to lock the microwave system to the double
resonance. We discuss first the performance which is required of the optical system to accomplish this task,
since this serves as our objectives for this part of the experiment.
2.1 Tuneable Laser

Our goal was to design and construct a diode laser which was smoothly and approximately linearly tuneable
over a range of several nanometers in wavelength about the 780nm 5S1/2 -5P3/2 transition in rubidium.
2.2 Absorption Spectrum of Rubidium

The next step after constructing a tuneable laser is to resolve the doppler-broadened absorption peaks in
rubidium. Since our rubidium cell is a mixture of 85 Rb and 87 Rb, there are four doppler-broadened peaks
comprising the fine structure of the 780nm transition. It was our goal to clearly resolve each of these.
In addition to the doppler-broadened absorption peaks, we also wished to resolve the peaks’ hyperfine
structure. (Three hyperfine peaks in each doppler peak allowed by transition rules.) In particular, we were
interested in clearly resolving the F=2 to F’=2 hyperfine peak in 87 Rb, since this is the transition used for
the double resonance.
2.3 Optical Locking to Hyperfine Peak

Once the appropriate peak was resolved, our goal was to lock the laser to that peak, using a feedback loop,
and to characterize the frequency range within which the lock is able to stabilize the laser.
6
2.4 Double Resonance
Once the optical setup was fully working, our goal was to resolve the shape and width of both the doppler-
broadened and hyperfine double resonance peaks in the microwave cavity rubidium cell, using a modulated
microwave signal. Once this was achieved, the goal would be to use a lock-in amplifier and a feedback loop to
lock the microwave oscillator to the hyperfine double resonance peak, providing a stable frequency reference.
2.5 Frequency Stability Characterization

Once a stable clock signal was achieved, the final goal was to characterize the short term frequency stability
and long term timing stability of the output. The goal for short term stability was to use a digital counter
to make comparisons with quartz oscillators, and use those comparisons to establish the quartz oscillator
stability (approximately 1 part in 108 ) as the lower limit on the short term frequency stability of the clock.
For long term stability characterization, the goal was to use comparisons with the timing output of a
GPS receiver to measure or set a lower limit on the long term timing stability of the clock. For the GPS
receiver we acquired provided a 1Hz pulse with 1µs jitter; hence, the maximum achievable measurement
precision is 1 part in 1012 over a counting period of one week.
2.6 Refinement of Quantitative Objectives

For the short-term stability tests, comparison to quartz oscillators should be able to establish a lower limit
on (short-term) clock stability of between 10−6 and 10−8 .
For the long-term stability comparisons, we may have to revise our testing schedule depending on how
much time is available for continuous running. Measurable long term stability would then approach ∼ 10−9
In addition to frequency-stability measurements, we also intend to measure the shape and width of the
6.834GHz transition in 87 Rb under the double-resonance being used for the microwave frequency lock. The
tunable diode laser and saturated absorption spectroscopy setup will be used to measure the absorption
spectrum of the 87 Rb and 85 Rb at the sub doppler level using the saturated spectroscopy setup. The tunable
laser is expected to be tunable to below 5Mhz.
3 Theory
87
3.1 Rb-beam Optically Pumped Atomic Clock
Accurate time standards can be produced by locking a crystal oscillator to an atomic transition frequency[18].
For this design, a quartz crystal oscillator will be locked to the 6.835 GHz microwave transition between the
F=1 and F=2 ground hyperfine levels of 87 Rb. The accuracy of the time standard is related to the width of
the microwave resonance. Due to the doppler effect, the natural resonance is broadened to 9.4 kHz. Unlike
typical commercial solutions, a design is proposed which utilizes an optical pump in order to resolve the
sub-doppler natural resonance and achieve order of magnitude improvements on lock accuracy.
Six optical transitions are allowed between the 52 S1/2 (ground) and the 52 P3/2 (1st excited) states in 87 Rb
for
∆F = 0, ±1 (1)
Where F is the atom’s total spin; the vector sum of nuclear and valence electron spins I + J. An optical
pumping of the F=1 ground level will be conducted (see figure 1) on the rubidium clock cell using a diode
laser tuned to the F=2→F’=2 transition using saturated absorbtion spectroscopy (see section 3.3). Driving
the microwave cavity containing the vapor cell at the 6.835 GHz transition resonance repopulates the F=2
7
ground state and thus reduces the transmission of the optical pump beam. The quartz oscillator is stabilized
to the center of the transition resonance by performing a peak lock on the absorption spectrum detected on
the photodiode resolved using a frequency shift keyed modulation of the microwave source.
87
Figure 1: Energy level diagram of the Rb-beam D2 resonance line [18]
Due to corresponding doppler shifts in the optical resonance, pumping is only achieved for atoms station-
ary with respect to the beam axis in the lab frame. Similarly, the (microwave) re-pump induced optical
attenuation is only resolved for the stationary atoms. The microwave lock-in apparatus is thus less sensitive
to the atoms responsible for the doppler broadening, allowing the sharper natural linewidth to be resolved
and locked to.
3.2 Littrow Configuration Tunable Diode Laser

A large and front-end loaded part of the project is the design and construction of the tunable diode laser
system. Fortunately, ample literature exists on the subject [4][6][8][13][16][18][23]. The design we will be
using[31] was put forward specifically with the needs of the undergraduate student in mind.
The commercially available diode laser is tuned using an external cavity Littrow configuration[5]. This is
the most basic of external tunable configuration types and is the simplest implement. The laser tunability
depends on the angle laser light makes with a reflective ruled grating as pictured in figure 2.
The relationship between the angles is given by the familiar grating equation:
mλ = d(sin(a) + sin(b)) (2)
To tune the laser, the incident angle of light must be adjusted such that the first order diffraction, b1
is reflected at the same angle as the incident light.This reflected light returns to the diode laser cavity
and preferentially selecting the lasing mode and produces a highly monochromatic beam. Then by varying
angle of incident light, slightly different wavelengths can be reflected back to the cavity thus changing the
output wavelength. The linearly polarized light from the zeroth order reflection is the output which is
utilized for the experiment. The difficultly is stabilizing and controlling the angle of the diffraction grating.
Large, nanometer scale, shifts in wavelength can be realized with the use of an optical lens mount and fine
8
Incident
Light Reflected
Diffracted a Light
Light b0
b1
Figure 2: The Diffraction Grating
adjustment screws. For sub-nanometer control, a piezoelectric crystal is used to change the incident beam
angle. One disadvantage of this setup is the angular change of output beam position as the wavelength
changes. For the current experiment, it is not an issue since the piezoelectric crystal movement causes a
negligible deviation of the output beam, allowing the optics to remain in fixed positions.
3.3 Saturated Absorption Spectroscopy

In order to perform an optical pumping of the F=1 ground state, the ability to selectively excite the
F=2→F’=1 or F=2→F’=2 transitions of 87 Rb is required, the latter of which was selected for an its increased
transition rate resulting in increased signal strength. Laser lines, which tend to drift with temperature and
mechanical fluctuations, must be centered and stabilized using feedback control. A linear laser spectroscopy
is not sufficient for discriminating the hyperfine levels of the 52 P3/2 state[1] as doppler-broadening limits
resolution to 520 MHz[11]. However, a doppler free saturated absorption spectroscopy can resolve the
hyperfine peaks for locking.
This method splits a frequency modulated beam into three components, probe, pump and reference. The
reference beam is passed through a glass vapor cell containing thermal 87 Rb and the reference spectrum is
detected on a photodetector. As the laser is swept through a transition frequency, the counter-propagating
pump and probe beam interact with stationary atoms; however as the stronger pump beam depletes the
atoms in the ground state, the transmitted intensity of the probe increases. The differential probe-reference
signal yields the doppler free hyperfine absorption peaks which the laser is locked to using piezo voltage
control. The apparatus is pictured in figure 6.
9
4 Experimental Setup
4.1 Experimental Overview
87
Rb
85
Rb
Microwave Microwave
Optical Feedback
Feedback
Generation
Electronics Electronics Electronics
Figure 3: Overview of Experimental Setup
The experimental setup utilized for this project broadly consists of two separate controlled feedback
systems: optical and microwave. Each has the generation, detection, and feedback control systems necessary
to lock onto the required hyperfine transitions of 87 Rb. The optical-frequency EM waves are generated using
a tunable laser, which is able to produce a highly coherent and stable beam. This light is then passed
through the saturated spectroscopy optical table configuration and separated by polarization angle. The
setup creates counter-propagating beams of asymmetric intensity through the rubidium cavity. This allows
resolution beyond the doppler-broadened absorption peak. This signal is measured using a set of photodiodes,
which is used to lock the tunable laser onto the desired hyperfine transition. Alternatively, this setup can
function in a frequency-sweeping configuration, allowing the generation of the rubidium absorption plots
shown in later sections.
The microwaves are generated using a voltage controlled quartz oscillator (VCO); the output of which
is frequency shift keyed using a direct quadrature modulator and multiplexer. Frequency sweeps of the
microwaves are carried out in the kHz range. The signal is injected into a microwave cavity, where the
double resonance condition is detected on a photodiode monitoring the transmitted intensity of the optical
pump. This signal is read with a DSP lock-in amplifier to drive an analog circuit which stabilizes the VCO
center frequency. To measure the VCO frequency, a 64x frequency divider is employed after which the signal
is counted using a 100 MHz GPIB counter. This time signal can then be compared √ with that of a GPS unit
which has been set up specifically for this project. This unit has an accuracy of 2µs on arbitrary time
scales with respect to GPS network, synchronized to NIST time servers. Thus, a week is required to measure
the clock frequency to an accuracy of 10−11 , the expected limit for the apparatus.
10
13
8
7
9
10 6
1 5
11
4 Number Description
12 1 3x0.5mm fine pitch adjustment screw (beam collimation)
2 27mm diameter Piezoelectric disk
3 Horizontal and Vertical Adjustable Mirror Mount
4 Baseplate Thermoelectric Cooler (Hidden)
2 5 Adjustable Lens Holder Mount
6 Laser Diode Mount
7 Solid Aluminum Baseplate
8 Laser Diode Thermoelectric Cooler
9 Diode Laser Plug
3 10
11
Diode Laser
Collimating Lens
12 1200 line/mm Ruled Diffraction Grating
13 Output Beam
Figure 4: Laser Diode Components
4.2 Littrow Tunable Diode Laser

The tunable laser components are shown in figure 4. The laser diode and collimating lens are secured to
aluminum blocks and then bolted to a solid aluminum baseplate. The diffraction grating is first attached to
a standard mirror mount using double sided tape which is in turn bolted to the baseplate. The laser and
lens are separated by a thin gap which, by way of a fine adjustment screw, allows the distance between the
lens and laser to be adjusted, thus collimating the beam. Careful adjustment allows for the beam to remain
collimated to 4mm diameter over several meters. For correct operation of the laser,1 the first order diffraction
must be reflected precisely back to the laser diode. This is achieved by adjusting the horizontal (left) and
vertical (right) knobs on the mirror mount. Once the laser is tuning approximately 1/2 turn on the horizonal
knob will cause several nanometers change in wavelength. To aid with the saturated spectroscopy setup,
a 36:1 gear reduction along with a flexible coupling was attached to the horizonal knob. This allows for
more precise manual control which makes the task of locating the rubidium doppler-broadened absorbtion
peaks significantly easier. Very fine tunability is achieved using a piezoelectric crystal inserted between the
horizontal adjustment screw and the lens mount.
To achieve long term stability, the temperature of the laser and baseplate must be accurately controlled.
Not shown on the diagram are two thermistors: one embedded immediately below the laser diode and
the second in the side of the baseplate. These are used as input into a Proportional-Integral temperature
controller which are used to control thermoelectric coolers, keeping the laser and baseplate stabilized slightly
under room temperature. Finally, as the actual laser setup indicated, it is necessary to utilize large heat
sinks to allow the thermoelectric coolers to dissipate the heat removed from the apparatus. (Figure 5).
4.3 Saturated Spectroscopy

4.3.1 Optics
The optics for the saturated absorption spectroscopy were designed with two chief goals in mind; achieving
maximum signal to noise, and minimizing cost. The latter proved to be a more significant constraint. In
order to achieve the requisite counter-propagating beams, a scheme using partially silvered mirrors would
inevitably redirect light back into the diode causing massive mode instabilities. This could be rectified using
11
(a) Photograph of Laser Assembly (b) CAD Model of Laser Assembly
Figure 5: Laser diode comparison
an optical isolator, however, high cost prohibited the implementation of such a device.
Counter propagation of pump and probe beams was achieved, whilst maintaining excellent optical feedback
isolation using a suite of polarization optics depicted in figure 6. The tunable polarization rotation achieved
using a λ/2 waveplate allowed the pump:(probe+ref) intensity ratio to be tuned for optimization of the
probe signal, with the splitting achieved on polarizing beam splitter (PBS) 4. A 50:50 splitter is employed
in order to separate out probe and ref beams with matched intensity, and finally feedback isolation from
vertically polarized waste pump light is achieved using PBS 7. The vapor cells selected contained natural
rubidium, approximately equal parts 85 Rb and 87 Rb, in order to minimize cost. This was of little concern as
the quantum signatures of the two atoms can be discriminated based on the relative spacing and strength
of their hyperfine transitions.
4.3.2 Electronics
The laser frequency was side locked to the F=2→F’=2 transition using feedback control of grating angle with
the piezo-electric transducer. A side-locking scheme was selected, as oppose to a peak-lock, as a stable optical
frequency was required in order to perform the optical pumping (cavity cell) requisite in the cyclic-double
resonance. This prohibited a direct modulation of the laser frequency. Down stream modulation is possible
using either an acousto or electro-optic modulator, however, these devices were prohibitively expensive.
The optical-lock circuitry is given in Appendix B.1 and consists of 7 stages. The apparatus provides
the ability to select between two modes of operation. In sweep mode, the piezo voltage is scanned linearly
allowing the absorption spectrum to be fully resolved. During lock-in mode, a PI controller is used to
stabilize the laser frequency to a position (selected during sweep mode) on the side of the selected hyperfine
peak. The position is maintained as a voltage level on the differential probe-ref output controlled via tunable
setpoint. In selecting the gains on the integral and proportional branches of the PI controller, a simulation of
12
5 8
6
4 10
12
11 9 7
13
3
10%
14
90%
2 1
15
16
17
Number Description
1 External Cavity (Littrow Configuration) Tuned Laser
2 10/90 Beam Splitter
1
3 2 Waveplate
4 Polarizing Beam Splitter
5 Horizontally Polarized Probe Beam
6 50/50 Beam Splitter
7 Polarizing Beam Splitter
8 Waste Pump Dump
9 Natural Rubidium Vapour Cell (85 Rb and 87 Rb)
10 Vertically Polarized Pump Beam
11 Reference Beam
12 Probe Photodiode
13 Reference Photodiode
14 Microwave Waveguide
15 Microwave Cavity
16 Second Natural Rubidium Vapour Cell
17 Microwave Cavity Photodiode
Figure 6: Saturated Spectroscopy Setup
13
the control loop was conducted using MATLAB. Gain values were selected in order provide simultaneously
adequate stability and noise rejection over the full frequency range of the piezo (∼1kHz).
4.4 Microwave Synthesis

Once the laser is locked to the appropriate hyperfine transition, detecting and locking to the double resonance
with a microwave signal requires synthesizing and tuning a microwave signal at 6.835GHz, and coupling that
signal into the rubidium cell. To increase signal to noise, and to produce a more stable lock-in frequency, we
decided to employ a modulated peak-locking scheme, which allows the use of a lock-in amplifier to produce
the error signal for our feedback loop.
In order to modulate the microwave signal, while still retaining a stable center frequency for the clock
output, we used a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) connected through an I/Q Mixer, which acts as a
modulator. This provides both a stable center frequency directly from the VCO, as well as signal modulated
about that frequency from the I/Q Mixer. For the purpose of obtaining an accurately centered lock on
the peak, frequency-modulation with an I/Q mixer requires amplitude matched sine waves in quadrature
(90 degrees out of phase), at a desired modulation frequency representing lock location on the peak. This
frequency source was supplied with a quadrature oscillator circuit. The overall configuration is shown in
Figure 7.
DSP Lock-In
PI Control
Amplifier
Ref
Photodiode Signal
Output Clock Signal (f/64)
Frequency
Divider
I Q
Sel
Signal
Generator
(100kHz Square
Wave)
Figure 7: Microwave synthesis and feedback chain.
4.4.1 Quadrature Oscillator

In order to produce two signals in tight quadrature at identical amplitudes, a dual op-amp integrator oscillator
was used (See Figure A-4). These integrators set two poles at the desired 1/RC oscillation frequency, causing
14
oscillations as the loop gain crosses the zero gain point. This setup is used to stabilize a RC oscillator while
producing a complementary signal. The transfer function of this oscillator can be represented as shown in
Equation 3.
1 R3 C3 s + 1
Aβ = (3)
R1 C1 s R3 C3 s(R2 C2 s + 1)
In the case where R1 C1 = R2 C2 = R3 C3 , this transfer function can be reduced to Equation 4.
1
Aβ = (4)
(RCs)2
The oscillation frequency is tuneable through simultaneous adjustment of the three 24-turn trim potentiome-
ters, following the relation of Equation 4, while fine tuning of the individual signals is provided through
adjustment of the the potentiometer for the respective integrator. Any output distortion was too low to be
noticeable over our range of operating frequencies; the bandwidth of the voltage feedback op-amps utilized
in this design theoretically introduces large phase error as oscillation frequency approaches a few hundred
kilohertz. This is much less of a potential problem due to the high degree of tuneability of each separate
circuit section.
4.4.2 Multiplexer
The output from the quadrature oscillator is fed into an analog multiplexer, connected to the I/Q inputs of
the mixer. This multiplexer allows switching which I/Q input is leading and which is lagging, in order to
provide frequency modulation in either phase direction. The select inputs of the multiplexer are driven with
a square wave, alternating the phase of the input to the I/Q mixer. This frequency modulated signal is then
delivered into the microwave cavity.
4.4.3 Waveguide
In order to cheaply and efficiently couple this microwave signal into the cavity, a simple waveguide and stub
antenna are used. A simulation of this waveguide using NEC2 software (Numerical Electromagnetics Code)
provides insight into the performance of the antenna and waveguide combination; Figure 4.4.3 shows this
design does result in gain, and the signal will be coupled into the cavity.
4.4.4 Feedback
Since the modulation of the microwaves is driven by the quadrature output switching by the multiplexor,
the multiplexor clock provides a natural reference signal for lock-in amplification. The signal from the
microwave-cavity photodiode is fed to the lock-in amplifier using this clock as a reference. Since the double
resonance peak is symmetric, we expect modulation to drive a non-zero lock-in signal when off-center, with
the signal approaching zero as the center frequency of the microwave modulation approaches the peak center.
This is shown schematically in Figure 9.
The lock-in output is therefore used as the error signal for a Proportional-Integral feedback loop which
controls the VCO voltage and therefore the center frequency of the modulation and the output frequency of
the clock. A schematic circuit diagram of the feedback circuit is shown in Figure 10.
4.4.5 Frequency Division

Although the output of the clock is at 6.835GHz, the digital counter at our disposal is only capable of
counting signals up to 120MHz. We have selected a VCO with an f/2 frequency divided output in addition
to the main output, however, additional frequency division is still required to produce a countable signal.
We accomplish this with the frequency counter/divider built into certain PLL IC’s. Printed circuit boards
have been fabricated for two such IC’s, shown in Figures A-2 and A-3.
15
Figure 8: Electromagnetic Simulation of waveguide antenna
fc
fc + fof f
fc − fof f
Feedback
Figure 9: Illustration of microwave modulation about a center frequency on the double resonance peak.
Verr
(from lock-in
Output)
Inverting Amp
Integrator
Vout
(VCO Control
Bias Voltage Voltage)
≈4V Adder
Figure 10: Schematic circuit diagram of the microwave feedback circuit.
16
4.5 Frequency/Timing Stability Characterization
In designing what is meant to be a time/frequency standard, we also required a method for characterizing
the short and long term stability of the clock output in terms of frequency jitter/drift. Since measuring
frequency directly with an external device inherently ties the measurement to the internal oscillator of that
device, in order to cleanly measure our output, we rely on counting signal cycles using a digital counter,
except when directly comparing the clock output to an external oscillator. To this end, we use a 120MHz
digital counter, with external reference and external gating capabilities. The configuration for characterizing
long-term stability uses a GPS receiver as a time reference.
4.5.1 Short Term Frequency Stability

To characterize the short term frequency stability of the clock, we measure the jitter in comparisons between
pairs of oscillators, including the clock. The basis behind this is that the absolute frequency jitter from two
independent oscillators adds in quadrature when making a frequency comparison between the oscillators.
This frequency comparison is made by using one oscillator as the counter reference to measure the frequency
of the second oscillator. The configuration is shown in Figure 11
Figure 11: Instrumentation setup for characterizing short term stability of the clock. Comparison is made
with a 10Mhz quartz oscillator. This same configuration can also be used for comparing relative frequency
stability of two quartz oscillators.
This configuration is convenient, because several of the instruments we are using for other purposes also
provide a 10MHz reference output from their internal quartz oscillators.
This configuration in principle allows us to set a lower limit on the short term stability of the clock output.
The first step would be to compare the clock output to several quartz oscillators. Next, the quartz oscillators
are compared with each other. If the clock-quartz oscillator jitter is measureably smaller than the quartz-
quartz comparisons, then this establishes the quartz oscillator stability (estimated from the quartz-quartz
comparisons) as a lower limit on the short term stability of the clock frequency output.
17
4.5.2 Long Term Timing Stability
Characterizing the long-term stability of the clock output presents additional challenges, since it requires
an extremely stable time reference. This is provided by a GPS receiver, which provides a 1Hz timing pulse
synchronized to the GPS network timing (Which is in turn based on reference atomic clocks). In order to
obtain consistent GPS reception, the GPS receiver has been mounted outside of the building near the lab,
and an extension cable has been made and routed through through the basement ceiling. The receiver has
a strong and consistent signal, verified by the computer interface over many weeks. The 1Hz timing output
has been configured and tested, as well as used to gate the digital counter.
Figure 12: Testing GPS reception in outdoor mounting location.
The manufacturer’s specifications for the GPS receiver state a jitter of ±1 µs for the rising edge of the
1Hz pulses from the GPS receiver (This has been verified in the lab with comparisons to quartz oscillators.)
Since this pulse is disciplined to the GPS network timing, however, this error is not cumulative. This
means that with the GPS receiver gating the counter (as shown in Figure √ 13), counts can be obtained over
arbitrary timescales with an absolute uncertainty in measurement time of 2 µs. Measurement precision is
then determined by√ how long the clock is run for. For example, running the clock for a week would provide
an uncertainty of 2 µs over a total interval of 604,800 s, or roughly one part in 1012 .
4.6 Microwave Cavity and Waveguide

In order to measure the double resonance in the rubidium cell, a microwave cavity, waveguide and mount
were built.
The microwave cavity design is shown in Figure A-8. A multimode cavity was used to produce a flat
distribution of microwave intensity. The waveguide design is shown in Figure A-7. A hole was drilled in
the end of the waveguide for the laser beam to enter. A mount for the rubidium cell inside the cavity was
created in CAD software and then printed on the rapid prototyping machine at Beamish-Monroe Hall. The
18
Figure 13: Instrumentation setup for characterizing long term stability of the clock. Comparison is made
over a long time scale with the 1Hz reference pulse from a GPS receiver.
design can be found in Figure A-6. This was done to avoid the use of metal, which would reflect microwaves.
The mount was made out of ABS plastic.
The coupling efficiency of the electronics system to the microwave resonator was evaluated. Unmodulated,
6.8 GHz frequency was first pumped directly into a high-frequency rectifying diode, and then indirectly
through the pump antenna, waveguide, and a 1/4 wavelength pick-up antenna inserted into the cavity. The
relative transmission loss in the latter case was approximately 1000 times greater. The absolute efficiency, in
this case, is not the relevant parameter, as the pick-up antenna receives only a fraction of the microwave power
in the cavity; however, more importantly, the functionality of the microwave chain has been demonstrated.
19
5 Results
5.1 Tunable Laser
The tunable laser system was characterized according to its various degrees of freedom. Originally, it was
intended that gain curves for lasing current, diode temperature, and grating angle would be produced on
the Ocean Optics spectrometer in the 5th floor labs. Unfortunately, it was found that the resolution of the
spectrometer was prohibitively low for all but the grating angle. It was confirmed during the subsequent
tests on our optical table that the laser was indeed sensitive to these other parameters. Each degree of
freedom on the tunable laser is now be discussed in detail.
5.1.1 Angle Dependence of Lasing Wavelength

From the outset it was expected that the most coarse adjustment of the lasing wavelength would be achieved
using the grating angle. Using the installed 36:1 microdrive, the wavelength response to an angular change of
the tuning knob was investigated on the Ocean Optics Spectrometer. It was found that the lasing wavelength
varied on the order of nanometers, which were readily observable. A series of beam profiles were recorded
for various tuning knob positions, and are shown in Figure 14. Though the figure shows a wavelength shift
of approximately 5 nm, it was found that the laser could tune up to 8 nm, centered around approximately
782 nm.
0.25
0 Degrees
(λ− λ 0 ) 2
−
Fit: Ae (2σ )2
A = (1.6 ± 0.1) × 10−1
λ0 = (7.7719 ± 0.0005) × 102
0.2 σ = (6.2 ± 0.3) × 10−1
Reduced χ2 = 0.004413
.
45 Degrees
Intensity (normalized)
(λ− λ 0 ) 2
−
Fit: Ae (2σ )2
A = (1.64 ± 0.04) × 10−1
0.15 λ0 = (7.7936 ± 0.0001) × 102
σ = (6.33 ± 0.08) × 10−1
Reduced χ2 = 0.000272
.
90 Degrees
(λ− λ 0 ) 2
−
0.1 Fit: Ae (2σ )2
A = (1.55 ± 0.03) × 10−1
λ0 = (7.8139 ± 0.0001) × 102
σ = (7.11 ± 0.09) × 10−1
Reduced χ2 = 0.000278
.
0.05
0
775 780 785 790 795 800
Wavelength, (nm)
Figure 14: Gaussian Beam Profiles at Various Tuning Knob Angles
It was expected that the lasing wavelength shift would be linear with the incident grating angle change,
and this was examined in Figure 15. The relationship was roughly linear, though large errors are seen on the
resulting data. This is due to a number of factors. Firstly, the spectrometer is not able to resolve beyond
20
782
Observed Data
Fit: Aθ + λ0
A = (2.7 ± 0.4) × 10−2
λ0 = (7.8063 ± 0.0007) × 102
781.5 Reduced χ2 = 22.239095
.
Center Wavelength (nm)

781
780.5
780
779.5
−40 −30 −20 −10 0 10 20 30 40
Knob θ (degrees)
Figure 15: Tuning with Knob Angle
its bin width, which for this calibration was on the order of 0.3 nm. The error in the resulting gaussian fits
must thus be added in quadrature with this value, which dominates the final error. Secondly, the installed
microdrive does not completely transfer motion to the tuning knob. Some gear slop is present for every turn
on the microdrive, adding a systemic error to the suspected angular shift. There might also be slack on the
screw into the lens mount being used to actually move the grating. For these reasons, the group was satisfied
with the observed linearity and moved on for lack of better testing equipment.
5.1.2 Temperature Stabilization
2.3
')(+*-,/.1032-415 6)7+8-9:7+;<
2.25
')(+*-,/. =?>@A5 B19:7+;<
&! 2.2 ')(+*-,/. C?D @ 5 B19:7+;<
%
2.15
" ! #$ 2.1

2.05
2
1.95
1.9
1.85
1.8
0 5
10

15 20
Figure 16: Step Response of Temperature Controller
A pair of PI temperature controllers were designed and employed on the tunable laser housing to provide
the desired stability in the long term. Temperatures were measured in arbitrary voltage units using two
thermistors. Once a setpoint was decided upon, it was expected that turning on the temperature controllers
21
would quickly bring the temperature down to the setpoint with minimal oscillations. This process is shown
during different days in Figure 16. The proportional and integral gains were tuned empirically, and the
results are evident from the plot. Full temperature stabilization required approximately 10 minutes and
persisted for arbitrarily long time scales.
5.1.3 Constant Current Driver Performance
75.07
75.06
Laser Current (mA)

75.05
75.04
75.03
75.02
75.01
75
10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Time (min)
Figure 17: Lasing Current in Constant Current Mode
The constant current controller, purchased from Thor Labs, was also characterized over a long time scale.
During the experiment, it was found that the current controller did not perform as expected; and long term
drifts of the current were seen. The power supplies to the controller were replaced in favor of dedicated
supplies, which greatly improved stability. However, some drift was still present on the order of tens of µA,
shown in Figure 17. Though small, this drift was enough to be observed on the saturated spectroscopy setup.
The source of these drifts at this time are uncertain, though they most likely lie in the internal circuitry of
the Thor Labs PCB. Our group had intended on re-designing and remaking this part, were there more time
for this project.
Overall, the diode laser performed adequately and was capable of fulfilling its role in the rest of the
atomic clock setup.
22
5.2 Saturated Spectroscopy of Rubidium
The saturated absorption spectroscopy performed remarkably well. The hyperfine absorption peaks, 6 al-
lowed for each 85 Rb and 87 Rb, were resolved more clearly than seen in the published literature [27]. Figures
18 and 19 depict the probe and differential satspec signals recorded when performing linear sweeps in the
laser frequency. The former shows the hyperfine peaks superimposed on the doppler broadened spectrum.
The differential signal, used for the lock circuitry, is the analog subtraction of the probe and reference signals.
The frequency axis was scaled in figure 18 using literature values the 87 Rb hyperfine energy levels.
85 87
Hyperfine peaks for Rb (F=3) and Rb (F=2)
0.5
Probe signal
0.4 Doppler-subtracted hyperfine peaks
0.3
0.2
Voltage (V)
0.1
−0.1
−0.2
−0.3
−0.4
−0.5
−2000 −1500 −1000 −500 0 500 1000 1500 2000
∆ F (MHz)
Figure 18: Hyperfine peaks of natural rubidium. Right 85 Rb F=3→F’ transitions. Left 87 Rb F=2→F’
transitions. The 87 Rb F=2→F’=2 transition, centered at 0 MHz, is locked to during clock operation.
23
1.5
Probe Signal
Doppler-subtracted hyperfine peaks
1
Voltage (Arb)
0.5
−0.5
−1
−7 −6 −5 −4 −3 −2 −1 0 1 2 3 4
Frequency (Arb) x 10
−3
87 85
Figure 19: Hyperfine peaks of natural rubidium. Left Rb F=1→F’ transitions. Right Rb F=2→F’
transitions.
The peak centroids were determined using a Lorentzian fitting routine. The theoretical Lorentzian line
shape modeled the hyperfine resonance peaks well (see figure 20) but for the asymmetry in the floor attributed
to imperfect balance of the probe and ref signal amplitudes.
The optical lock performed satisfactorily and stabilized the laser frequency for upwards of 1 hour. Due to
the nature of the side-lock, overstepping the peak would result in a permanent loss of lock which would need
to be manually reset. As a result, a loss of lock would occur if sufficient amplitude acoustic vibrations, outside
the loop bandwidth, were introduced into the system. However, the PI controller adequately countered lower
frequency noise sources such as drifts in temperature and laser current as desired.
24
87
Hyperfine F=2 peaks for Rb
0.16
Doppler-subtracted hyperfine peaks
0.14 Lorentz Fit
0.12
0.1
Voltage (V)
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.02
−0.02
−0.04
−1000 −500 0 500 1000
∆ F (MHz)
87
Figure 20: Lorentzian fitted Rb F=2→F’ transitions. From left to right F’=1,2,3.
25
Optical Lock Confirmation
0.24
0.22
0.2
Photodiode Voltage (V)
0.18
0.16
0.14
0.12
0.1
0.08
−10 −8 −6 −4 −2 0 2
Time (s) x 10
−3
Figure 21: The effect of acoustic noise on the optical lock circuit. The satspec differential signal is shown to
oscillate outside the lock bandwidth at ∼1.2kHz
26
GK CPS JF DS DB JBD
Tunable Laser Design X X
Tunable Laser Construction X X
Tunable Laser Calibration X X
Cavity and Waveguide Design X X X X
Cavity and Waveguide Construction X
Saturated Spectroscopy Design X
Saturated Spectroscopy Alignment X X X
Data Acquisition System X
GPS Time Stamp System X
Optical Feedback Circuit Design X X
Microwave Generation Circuit Design X X X
Microwave Feedback Circuit Design X X X
Table 1: Division of Labour Chart
6 Responsibilities and Timeline

6.1 Organization of Team Activities
The current activities being undertaken by the team is repeated in Table 1, along with an indication of who
is responsible for each task. It should be noted that this list is not exhaustive, as completed items have been
excluded.
6.2 Gantt Chart

A gantt chart is included to summarize the progression through the project during, before, and after the
alloted 12 weeks. Generally, our group put in a solid effort throughout the entire period except for the short
respite to complete our thesis projects.
27
ID Task Name Start Nov '06 Dec '06 Jan '07 Feb '07 Mar '07 Apr '07 May '07 Jun '07 Jul '07 Aug '07 Sep '
29 05 12 19 26 03 10 17 24 31 07 14 21 28 04 11 18 25 04 11 18 25 01 08 15 22 29 06 13 20 27 03 10 17 24 01 08 15 22 29 05 12 19 26 02 09
1 Project Topic Decision Fri 10/11/06
2 Project Proposal Mon 20/11/06 Carlos Paz-Soldan,David Burns,Devon Stopps,Gaetan Kenway,Joseph Fox,Joshua Bendavid
3 Procurment of necessary parts Mon 18/12/06 Dirk and Bernie
4 Christmas Holidays Fri 22/12/06
5 Grating Stablized Tuned Laser Design Tue 12/12/06 Carlos Paz-Soldan[15%],David Burns[15%],Gaetan Kenway[15%]
6 Tuned Laser Construction Thu 11/01/07 Carlos Paz-Soldan[50%],Gaetan Kenway[50%]
7 Tuned Laser Testing & Calibration Tue 27/02/07 Carlos Paz-Soldan[50%],Gaetan Kenway[50%]
8 Microwave Cavity Design Tue 16/01/07 Devon Stopps[50%],Joshua Bendavid[50%]
9 Microwave Cavity Construction Tue 23/01/07 Joseph Fox
10 Reading (Thesis) Week Tue 13/02/07
11 Rubidium Vapour Cell Design Tue 27/02/07 Joseph Fox[15%],Joshua Bendavid[15%]
12 Optical Setup Tue 20/03/07 David Burns[50%],Carlos Paz-Soldan[15%],Gaetan Kenway[15%]
13 Sa Spectroscopy Measurements Tue 27/03/07 David Burns[15%],Joshua Bendavid[15%],Carlos
14 Microwave Synthesizer Operation Thu 29/03/07 Joshua Bendavid,Joseph Fox
15 Cavity Feedback Control Thu 19/04/07 Devon Stopps
16 Complete System Debugging Tue 03/04/07 Carlos Paz-Soldan,David Burns,Devon Stopps,Gaetan
17 Timing Measurements Fri 20/04/07 Carlos Paz-Soldan,David Burns,Devon Stopps,Gaet
Page 1
Figure 22: Gantt Chart for Atomic Clock Project
7 Safety
The tunable diode laser emits a 10-30mW beam at 780 nm. This is very harmful to the unshielded eye.
As such, specialty laser goggles were purchased for use when calibrating and operating the diode laser. An
enclosure box was also created to house the completed optical table, allowing multiple people access to
the laboratory without the need of limited laser goggles. Prior to this, only people wearing goggles were
be allowed near the operating laser system, which limited the number of people working on the project
simultaneously.
As a matter of minor concern, natural rubidium reacts aggressively with normal skin and care would have
been taken been taken to avoid its vapour state were it to have escaped from its glass housing. Microwaves
can also be harmful, though at the power levels used in this experiment, it was not seen to pose a major
problem.
28
8 Conclusion
A design proposal was made for an optically pumped atomic clock utilizing the hyperfine transitions of
87
Rb. A double-resonance condition was conceived using a parallel optical and microwave chain to lock
a microwave oscillator to the sub-doppler resonance. For the optical chain, a tunable laser was built and
demonstrated to reliably tune over the required transitions of 87 Rb. This was detected using a saturated
spectroscopy setup. An analog feedback circuit was created which was able to lock the laser frequency to
the 87 Rb F=2 → F’=2 transition. Using this same setup, the tunable laser was used to characterize the
5S1/2 →P3/2 state transitions of both 87 Rb & 85 Rb. A microwave generation and modulation chain was
designed and built, though at the time of writing the double resonance condition has yet to be observed.
This was due to inadequate time for testing. A frequency divider was designed to allow the microwave signal
to be counted, though it was not functioning at the time of writing. The most difficult parts of the project
have been demonstrated to reliably function, fulfilling the majority of the project objectives.
9 Group Statement
From the outset it was known that this project was going to be ambitious and challenging. Though atomic
clocks have existed for many decades, the diode laser technology required to make this project possible on a
modest budget has only been developed in the last decade. Many components had to be innovatively designed
to function within our budgetary constraints, and as a result we are confident that we have achieved good
trade off between scientific value and monetary expenditures. Specifically, our microwave generation setup
is completely of our own design, as is the particular setup utilized for the saturated spectroscopy technique.
The final timing results were not complete in time for this report, due to setbacks in the microwave
generation and detection chain. The PCB containing much of the microwave chain was completed far later
than expected, resulting in very little time for debugging. At the time of writing, the frequency divider
PCB was non-functional, and this delayed the entire microwave chain. We are confident that the generation
is working, though it is very difficult to detect the double resonance without an accurate knowledge of the
frequencies being injected into the microwave cavity. As we have entered this project into an IEEE design
competition, we intend to resume our effort on these last components upon completion of our report and
exams.
Despite the setbacks, many of our key objectives have been met. A functional saturated spectroscopy
setup has been created, allowing for the apparatus to be utilized in a PHYS 450 lab.
References
[1] Diode laser spectroscopy. Teachspin. Available at http://www.teachspin.com/instruments/diode_
laser/index.shtml.
[2] Introduction to quartz frequency standards - oscillator comparison and selection. IEEE Ultrasonics,
Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control Society. http://www.ieee-uffc.org/freqcontrol/quartz/
vig/vigcomp.htm.
[3] The ntp faq and howto: Understanding and using the network time protocol. NTP Project. http:
//www.ntp.org/ntpfaq/NTP-s-algo.htm.
[4] C. Affolderbach, F. Droz, and G. Mileti. Experimental demonstration of a compact and high-
performance laser-pumped rubidium gas cell atomic frequency standard. IEEE Transsactions on In-
strumentation and Measurement, 55(2):429–435, April 2006.
29
[5] A. S. Arnold, J. S. Wilson, and M. G. Boshier. A simple extended-cavity diode laser. Review of Scientific
Instruments, 69(3):1236–1239, March 1998.
[6] J. C. Bergquist, M. Feldman, L. L. Lewis, and F. L. Walls. Preliminary invesitgation of a new optically
pumped atomic rubidium standard. In 35th Ann. Freq. Control Symposium, pages 612–624, May 1981.
[7] M. Breton, N. Cyr, C. Julien, C. Latrasse, M. Têtu, and P. Tremblay. Optically pumped rubidium as a
frequency standard at 196 thz. IEEE Transsactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, 44(2):162–
165, April 1995.
[8] M. Breton, N. Cyr, M. Têtu, S. Thŕiault, P. Tremblay, and B. Villeneuve. Toward the realization of
a wavelength standard at 780 nm based on a laser diode frequency locked to rubidium vapor. IEEE
Transsactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, 40(2):191–195, April 1991.
[9] G. Brida, A. Godone, F. Levi, and C. Novero. Analysis of the light shift effect in the 87 rb frequency
standard. IEEE Transsactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, 46(2):126–129, April 1997.
[10] C. E. Calosso, A. Godone, F. Levi, and S. Micallzio. The pulsed rubidium clock. IEEE Transsactions
on Ultrasonics, Ferrorelectrics and Frequency Control, 53(3):525–529, March 2006.
[11] K. L. Corwin, Z.-T. Lu, C. F. Hand, R. J. Epstein, and C. E. Wieman. Frequency-stabilized diode laser
with the zeeman shift in an atomic vapor. Optical Society of America, 1998.
[12] R. Cushing. Single sideband upconversion of quadrature dds signals to the 800-2500mhz band., 2000.
Analog Dialog 34-3.
[13] J. Deng, R. E. Drullinger, D. A. Jennings, G. Mileti, and F. L. Walls. Laser-pumped rubidium fre-
quency standards: News analysis and progress. IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics, 34(2):233–237,
September 1998.
[14] DeSerio. Saturated absorption addendum.
[15] G. J. Dick, L. Maleki, and J. D. Prestage. Linear ion trap based atomic frequency standard. IEEE
Transsactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, 40(2):132–136, April 1991.
[16] M. Feldman and L. L. Lewis. Optical pumping by lasers in atomic frequency standards. In 35th Ann.
Freq. Control Symposium, pages 612–624, May 1981.
[17] R. W. Fox, C. S. Weimer, L. Hollberg, and G. C. Turk. The diode laser as a spectroscopic tool.
Specrochmica Acta, 15(5):291–298, 1993.
[18] H. Furuta, K. Nakagawa, and M. Ohtsu. Diode laser-pumped rb-beam atomic clock as a novel primary
frequency standard. Graduate School at Nagatusta, Tokyo Institute of Technology 4259 Nagatsuta,
Midori-ku, Yokohama Kanagawa 227, Japan.
[19] H. Furuta and M. Ohtsu. Estimation of frequency accuracy and stability in a diode laser-pumped
rubidium beam atomic clock using a novel microwave resonant method. Japanese Journal of Applied
Physics, 30(11A):2921–2931, August 1991.
[20] Garmin. Gps 18 oem specifications. http://www.garmin.com/products/gps18oem/spec.html.
[21] A. Hallin. Conversation in lab, November 2006.
[22] M. L. Harris, C. S. Adams, S. L. Cornish, I. C. McLeod, E. Tarleton, and I. G. Hughes. Polarization
spectroscopy in rubidium and cesium. Physical Review, 73(062509), 2006.
[23] M. Hashimoto and M. Ohtsu. Experiments on a semiconductor laser pumped rubidium atomic clock.
IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics, 23(4):446–451, April 1987.
30
[24] C. J. Hawthorn, K. P. Weber, and R. E. Scholten. Littrow configuration tunable external cavity diode
laser with fixed direction output beam. Review of Scientific Instruments, 72(12):4477–4479, December
2001.
[25] A. Hirai, T. Ogawa, I. Takahashi, and M. Takeyama. Stark modulation atomic clock. Review of Scientific
Instruments, 27(9):739–745, Septemeber 1956.
[26] A. Kaplan, M. F. Andersen, T. Grunzweig, and N. Davidson. Hyperfine spectroscopy of optically

trapped atoms. Journal of Optics: Quantum and Semiclassical Optics.
[27] S. Kraft, A. Deninger, C. Truck, J. Fortagh, F. Lison, and C. Zimmermann. Rubidium spectroscopy at
778-780 nm with a distributed feedback laser diode. Laser Physics Letters, pages 1–6, November 2004.
[28] L. C. Kristan, C. F. H. Zang-Tian Lu, R. J. Epstein, and C. E. Wieman.
[29] N. Kuramochi, M. Ohtsu, N. Oura, T. Tako, and H. Tsuchida. Frequency stabilization of algaas
semiconductor laser based on the 85 rb − d2 line. Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, 21(9):561–563,
September 1982.
[30] R. LaRosa, T. J. Marynowski, and K. J. Henrich. A simple modulator for sinusoidal frequency shift
keying. IEEE Transactions on Communications, 30(5):1048–1051, May 1982.
[31] K. B. MacAdam, A. Steinbach, and C. Wieman. A narrow-band tunable diode laser system with grating
feedback, and a saturated absorption spectrometer for cs and rb. In Joint Institute for Laboratory
Astrophysics and the Department of Physics, University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado 80309-0440,
pages 1098–1111. American Association of Physics Teachers, June 1992.
[32] A. J. Olson, E. J. Carlson, and S. K. Mayer. Two-photon spectroscopy of rubidium using a grating-
feedback diode laser. Dept. of Chem. and Physics, University of Portland, 69(3):1236–1239, March
1998.
[33] L. Reza. Constuction of an external cavity diode laser for use in frequency modulation spectroscopy
with an electro-optic phase modulator. U. of Colorado at Boulder, 2006.
[34] A. Risley, J. S. Jarvis, and J. Vanier. The dependence of frequency upon microwave power of wall-coated
and buffer-gas-filled gas cell rb[sup 87] frequency standards. Journal of Applied Physics, 51(9):4571–
4576, 1980. http://link.aip.org/link/?JAP/51/4571/1.
[35] C. E. Wieman and L. Hollberg. Using diode lasers for atomic physics. Scientific Instruemntation,
62(1):1–20, January 1991.
31
A Purchased Parts List
Part Quan Part Num Supplier Unit Price Total

Laser Diode 785nm, 50mw 1 HL7851G Thor labs $83.33 $83.33
1200 l/mm Diffraction Grating 1 GR13-1208 Thor labs $67.00 $67.00
Thermoelectric Cooler 1 tec3-2.5 Thor labs $28.75 $28.75
Fine Adjustment Screw 1 f3ss12 Thor labs $8.00 $8.00
Threaded Bushing 1 f3ssn1 Thor labs $6.00 $6.00
Collimating Lens 1 c230tm-b Thor labs $86.00 $86.00
Photodiode 3 fds1010 Thor labs $41.25 $123.75
Piezo Disk 5 587-1423-ND Mouser Elec. $1.04 $5.20
GPS receiver (Garmin) 1 GPS18LVC GPSCity $79.95 $79.95
250mW laser driver 1 LD1255 Thor labs $119.00 $119.00
Multiplexer 1 AD8182ARZ DigiKey $6.75 $6.75
Voltage Controleld Oscillator 1 HMC507 Hittite Sample $0.00
I/Q Rejection Mixer 1 HMC525LC4 Hittite Sample $0.00
Laser Diode Holder 1 S8060 Thor Labs $5.49 $5.49
Rubidium Vapour Cell 2 CP25075-RB Thor labs $395.00 $790.00
Polarizing Beam Splitter 2 PSCL-4-NIR OFR $210.00 $420.00
Half Wave Plate (retarder) 1 RM--780 OFR $210.00 $210.00
IC Op Amps 5 AD8027ARZ-ND Digikey $3.73 $18.65
IC Divider / PLL Synthesizer 1 ADF4007BCPZ-ND DigiKey $6.01 $6.01
IC Synth Freq PLL 7GHz 1 ADF4107BRUZ-ND DigiKey $6.63 $6.63
SMA Jacks 3 ACX1230-ND DigiKey $5.71 $17.13
Ceramic RF Capacitors 10 478-3658-1-ND DigiKey $1.04 $10.40
Printed Circuit Board 1 N/A ILC Shop $41.05 $41.05
Cavity Rubidium Cell Mount 1 N/A ILC Shop $42.00 $42.00
Laser Glasses 2 PLS-07 SG USA $118.00 $118.00
Subtotal $2,299.09
Taxes $344.86
Total $2,643.95
Table A-1: List of purchased components for the experiment
32
B Circuit Schematics
B.1 Optical Lock
Title
Figure A-1: Satspec optical side-lock circuitry schematic

Designed by
Revision Page 1 of 1
1. Power Supply Stage for ref and probe diodes

2. Bessel low pass Sallen Key filter. Chosen for flat phase response, buffering, and high frequency noise
rejection.
33
3. Differential amplifier for probe-ref subtraction. Includes single branch tunable gain for amplitude
balancing.
4. Second differential amplifier; produces the error signal as the difference between differential output and
setpoint.
5. Integral branch of control loop
6. Proportional branch of control loop
7. Adder and high voltage gain stage. Produces the piezo control signal as the sum of the piezo setpoint
and either the signal generator output for performing frequency sweeps or the lock feedback during
operation.
34
B.2 PCB
Figure A-2: PCB top section is quadrature oscillator, bottom is high frequency divider
35
Figure A-3: PCB for serial-controlled frequency divider
36
P o we r I n
U10
J3 LM7805CT 5V Out
LINE VREG
VOLTAGE
C8 COMMON
HDR1X2 100nF C9
100nF
Qu a d r a t u r e Os c i l l a t o r
2. 5V Ref R4
1.0k?
C3
S wi t c h i n g
2
U1 I nput
1 15pF
LM236H-2.5 U3
37
3 50% 4 1 2
2 An a l o g BNC
U11 SineOUT Mu l t i p l e x e r
U6 6
TRIPOT-bourns3006y U2 U5
3 AD8014AR
In0A SelectA 1 2
7 GndA enableA
In1A OutA SMA S wi t c h e d
U13 Vss -Vs Qu a d r a t u r e
In1B OutB U9
GndB enableB Ou t p u t
TRIPOT-bourns3006y In0B SelectB 1 2
7
50% ad8182 SMA
3
6 COSout
U7
C5 2
15pF AD8014AR
4
C6
50%
Figure A-4: Schematic showing quadrature synthesis and switching

U12 15pF
TRIPOT-bourns3006y
B.3 Temperature Controller
38
¡¡¡¡¡¡¡ .mine
39
Title
C CAD Drawings
The following pages present the engineering drawings which were used during the manufacture of custom
components for the project.
40
Horiztontal Angle Adjust
Laser Thermoelectric Cooler
Piezoelectric Disk
Laser Mount
Lens Mount
Fine Adjustment Screw
41
Baseplate Thermoelectric Cooler
Vertical Angle Adjust
Baseplate
SOLID EDGE
UGS - The PLM Company
TITLE
Tunable Laser Assembly
UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED
DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES
FILE NAME: Assembly.dft
SCALE: 0.75:1 SHEET 1 OF 1
.500
O .085
O .100
.874
.039
.209 4-40 Clearance
42
.177 .335
4-40 Tap
.874 R .125
3.375 .153
1.063
#8 Clearance
.072 .188
1.279
O .317 O .250
.250
.375 SOLID EDGE

TITLE
1.500 .375 Baseplate
2.312 UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED
FILE NAME: Baseplate.dft
SCALE: 1:1 Material: Al SHEET 1 OF 1
1.000
.188
.125
4-40 Tap
.188
.630
.125
43
.125
1.000 .500
6-32 Thread
R .250
.062
.875
R .062 .500
.220 SOLID EDGE
R .250 .020 UGS - The PLM Company
TITLE
Laser Diode Mount
1.125 .040 .040
FILE NAME: Lasermount.dft
.259 .150
28° .188 .125 .181

.375
.261
.150
.438
44
R .182
.875
.500
.250
.020
.062
1.125 .040
SOLID EDGE
TITLE
Lens Holder Mount
FILE NAME: Lensmount.dft
O .157
.375
.250 .375
O .090
45
R .312
3.000 R .500
2.750
SOLID EDGE
.500 UGS - The PLM Company
TITLE
Halfwave Plate Mount
1:1
.750 UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED
FILE NAME: halfwaveplate.dft
2.000
2.165
2.953 O .689
O .138
O .138
46
Top
Figure A-6: Rubidum cell mount

.561 R .522 Base
.197
.246 1.843
.957 SOLID EDGE
TITLE
.197 Rubidium Vapour Cell Mount
1.181 DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES
FILE NAME: rubidiummount.dft
SCALE: 1:1 Material: ABS Plastic SHEET 1 OF 1
Baseplate Waveguide
47
Laser Exit Hole Microwave Cavity
SOLID EDGE
TITLE
Waveguide and Cavity Assembly
FILE NAME: Microwaveassembly.dft
SCALE: 0.25:1 SHEET 1 OF 1
.364
O .250
1.715
48
Figure A-7: Waveguide design

.062 3.914 O .157
.581
.920
SOLID EDGE
.461 TITLE
Waveguide
FILE NAME: Waveguide.dft
SCALE: 1:1 Material: Copper SHEET 1 OF 1
49
8.500
.750
3.748
8.500
3.748 .062
O .500 SOLID EDGE
.500 TITLE
Cavity Baseplate
.500 UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED
Note: External Plate Dimensions are approximate FILE NAME: Base.dft
SCALE: 0.25:1 Material: Copper SHEET 1 OF 1
3.748
3.748
50
.062
Figure A-8: Microwave cavity design

1.715 O .157
3.685 .920
.461
SOLID EDGE
.581 TITLE
Microwave Cavity
3.748 UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED

FILE NAME: Cavity.dft
SCALE: 0.5:1 Material: Copper SHEET 1 OF 1
D Sample Code
The following pages present some of the various MatLab and Maple code utilized for design and data
analysis.
51
09/04/07 11:13 PM C:\Documents and Settings\Carlos\My ...\caliblaserknobdegree2.m 1 of 3
%This can be used to generate plots of the laser

clear all
close all
knoboutfile='eplots/knobcalib2-10apr.eps'
%-----------------------
infile='data/-3.Master.sample.txt'
data=dlmread(infile)
lambdas = data(:,1)
tempcounts = data(:,2)
sums=sum(tempcounts(1750:1850))
counts=tempcounts/sums
fitfun=@(A,lambda) A(1).*exp(-(lambda-A(2)).^2/(2.*A(3).^2))
dcounts=abs((counts)).^(1/2)
w=abs(1./(counts+1))
startvals=[0.2,780,2]
[peakfit,peakfitvalues,peakfitsigmas,rchi2]=advancedfit(fitfun,startvals,lambdas,counts,w)
Degs(1)
WaveL(1)=peakfitvalues(2)
WaveLsigma(1)=peakfitsigmas(2)
%-----------------------------------------
%-----------------------------------------
lambdas = data(:,1)
Degs(2)
%---------------------------------------------
%-----------------------------------------
lambdas = data(:,1)
Degs(3)
%-----------------------------------------
infile='data/0.Master.sample.txt'
lambdas = data(:,1)
Degs(4)
%-----------------------------------------
lambdas = data(:,1)
Degs(5)
%%%%-------------
lambdas = data(:,1)
Degs(6)
%----------------------------
lambdas = data(:,1)
Degs(7)
%--------------------------------------
%Fit peak trends
%---------------------------------------
fitfun=@(A,Degs) A(1).*Degs+A(2)
startvals=[0.01,770]
damnaxis=axes('FontSize',12)
xerror=2*ones(1,7)
errorbarxy(Degs,WaveL,xerror,WaveLsigma,xerror,WaveLsigma,'.','blue')
hold on
[peakfit,peakfitvalues,peakfitsigmas,rchi2]=advancedfit(fitfun,startvals,Degs,WaveL,WaveL)
Degs2 = linspace(-40,40,100)
plot(damnaxis,Degs2,peakfit(Degs2),'r','LineWidth',2,'color','red')
xlabel(damnaxis,'Knob $\theta$ (degrees)','Interpreter','latex','FontSize',14)

ylabel(damnaxis,'Center Wavelength (nm)','Interpreter','latex','FontSize',14)
fitentry=advancedfitlegend(peakfitvalues,peakfitsigmas,rchi2,'$A \theta + \lambda_{0}$',

{'A','$\lambda _{0}$'})
gcf
legend({'Observed Data',fitentry},'Interpreter','latex','FontSize',12, 'Location','NW')
%--------------------------------------------------------------
print('-depsc2',knoboutfile)
10/04/07 12:51 AM C:\Documents and Settings\Carlos\My ...\caliblaserknobdegree3.m 1 of 3
%This can be used to generate plots of the laser

clear all
close all
outfile='eplots/knobcalib1-10apr.eps'
knoboutfile='eplots/knobcalib2-10apr.eps'
%-----------------------
infile='data/m15-0degrees.Master.sample.txt'
lambdas = data(:,1)
counts=tempcounts(1750:1795)./sums
lambdas=lambdas(1750:1795)
w=abs(1./counts)
plot(lambdas,counts,'xr','LineWidth',2)
Degs(1)
hold on
ftype = fittype('gauss1')
lambdas2=linspace(770,800,1000)
plot(lambdas2,peakfit(lambdas2),'r','LineWidth',2,'color','red')
xlabel('Wavelength, (nm)','Interpreter','latex','FontSize',14)
ylabel('Intensity (normalized)','Interpreter','latex','FontSize',14)
%fitentry=fitlegend(peakfit,errors,'$A e^{-(\frac{\lambda - \lambda _{0}}{\sigma})^2}$',
fitentry1=advancedfitlegend(peakfitvalues,peakfitsigmas,rchi2,'$A e^{-\frac{(\lambda -
\lambda _{0})^2}{(2\sigma)^2}}$',{'A','$\lambda _{0}$','$\sigma$'})
%-----------------------------------------
lambdas = data(:,1)
10/04/07 12:51 AM C:\Documents and Settings\Carlos\My ...\caliblaserknobdegree3.m 2 of 3
w=abs(1./counts)
plot(lambdas,counts,'xb','LineWidth',2)
Degs(3)
plot(lambdas2,peakfit(lambdas2),'b','LineWidth',2,'color','blue')
%-----------------------------------------
lambdas = data(:,1)
w=abs(1./counts)
plot(lambdas,counts,'xk','LineWidth',2)
Degs(5)
plot(lambdas2,peakfit(lambdas2),'k','LineWidth',2,'color','black')
axis([775 800 0 0.25])
legend({'0 Degrees',fitentry1,'45 Degrees',fitentry3,'90 Degrees',

fitentry5},'Interpreter','latex','FontSize', 10, 'Location','NE')
print('-depsc2',outfile)
:= 1000
:= 100
1
:=
1000000000
:= 2
:= 100000
:= 1000
-9
:= 2.000000000 10
-9
:= 1.000000000 10
:= 11253.95394
:= 0.1400211448
1
:= →
2 2 2
1+ ( + 1) +
:= ln( )
1. .1e2 .1e3 .1e4 .1e5 1e+05 1e+06
1.
.1
.1e-1
E Data Sheets
E.1 Tunable Laser Components
The following pages contain copies of the datasheets relevant to the tunable laser.
59
HL7859MG
Visible High Power Laser Diode
Description
The HL7859MG is a 0.78 µm band GaAlAs laser diode with a multi-quantum well (MQW)structure.
It is suitable as a light source for optical disc memories and various other types of optical equipment.
Hermetic sealing of the small package (φ5.6 mm) assures high reliability.
Application
• Optical disc memories.
Features
• High output power : 35 mW (CW)
• Visible light output : λp = 775 to 795 nm
• Small package : φ 5.6 mm dia.
• Low astigmatism : 5 µm Typ (P O = 5 mW)
185
HL7859MG
Absolute Maximum Ratings (TC = 25°C)

Item Symbol Value Unit
Optical output power PO 35 mW
Pulse optical output power PO (pulse) 42 * mW
Laser diode reverse voltage VR(LD) 2 V
Photo diode reverse voltage VR(PD) 30 V
Operating temperature Topr –10 to +60 °C
Storage temperature Tstg –40 to +85 °C
Note: Pulse condition : Pulse width = 1 µs, duty = 50%
Optical and Electrical Characteristics (TC = 25°C)

Items Symbols Min Typ Max Units Test Conditions
Optical output power PO 35 — — mW Kink free *
Threshold current Ith — 35 60 mA —
Operating voltage VOP — 2.1 2.5 V PO = 35 mW
Slope efficiency ηs 0.35 0.65 0.80 mW/mA 21 (mW) / (I(28 mW) – I (7 mW) )
Lasing wavelength λp 775 785 795 nm PO = 35 mW
Beam divergence parallel θ// 8 9.5 12 deg. PO = 35 mW
to the junction
Beam divergence θ⊥ 18 23 28 deg. PO = 35 mW
parpendicular to the junction
Monitor current Is 0.2 — 2 mA PO = 35 mW, VR(PD) = 5 V
Asitgmatism AS — 5 — µm PO = 5 mW, NA = 0.4
Note: Kink free is confirmed at the temperature of 25°C.
186
HL7859MG
Curve Characteristics
187
HL7859MG
188
HL7859MG
189
0.120" DIA. THRU
4 PLACES
0.05"x0.05"
0.550 ANGLED CORNER
0.290 4 PLACES
0.440
0.930 1.030
0.960
0.100 0.100
0.350
0.330
2.350
2.450
0.330
1/16"
0.338
ALL HEADER POSTS

0.25" SQUARE
0.100
435 Route 206 • P.O. Box 366 SALES 973-579-7227
Newton, NJ 07860-0366 FAX 973-300-3600
Thorlabs Model LD1255

Laser Diode Constant Current Driver
Description:
The LD1255 was developed for operating laser diodes in a constant current mode up to a maximum of 250mA.
The LD1255 allows the laser anode to be grounded for added ESD protection of lasers that have their anode
electrically connected to the case. The laser operating current can be set with an on-board 12-turn trim pot, an
external analog voltage (0 to +5VDC) or a combination of both. A disable pin and diode protection circuitry have
been provided to limit voltage transients produced by the power supply during start up, shut down or by static
shock.
New Feature: J2
1 5
• Low Current Noise CURRENT ADJ
• Low Temperature Drift

• Added ESD Protection 1 10
J1
• Enable / Disable Pin
Figure 1 LD1255 Top View
Specifications:
Output Current:0.2 to 250mA
Operating Mode: Constant Current
Internal Current Control:
12 turn potentiometer (on board)
Ext. Current Control:
0 – 5 Volt analog input voltage (J1 pin 4)
2 µA/°C (Typ)
Output Current Drift:
Current Noise:< 1 µARMS
Operating Voltage:+/- 8 to 12 Volts
Dimensions: 2.5” x 1”
ESD Protection:160 msec slow start circuit
3.3V zener diode (forward voltage protection for LD)
Schottky diode (reverse voltage protection for LD)
LD DISABLE pin
Signal Bandwidth: 1.2 kHz
Monitor Photo Diode
Transimpedance Gain: 1000 µV/µA (note warnings in Photodiode monitor current section)
Max LD forward voltage: 3.3 Volts
Operating Temp.: 10 to 30 °C
Storage Temp.: -20 to 50 °C
Warm-up Time: 30 min.
Doc 0009-D01 Rev C, 3/21/02

Doc No. 0009-D01 Rev C 3/21/02
LD1255 OPERATION:
The LD1255 was designed to be used as either a stand alone circuit or a hybrid circuit that can be soldered to
another circuit board (using the standard 0.1" headers provided). Four clearance holes are provided at the corners
of the board for mounting the LD1255 to stand-offs. These holes may be enlarged to accommodate up to #4
screws.
The LD1255 operates the laser anode at ground potential for added protection against ESD (most laser
manufactures mount the laser with the anode to the laser case for thermal benefits). This requires that the LD1255
use a negative power supply to "pull" current from the ground-referenced laser anode. Grounding the laser case
helps prevent ESD damage.
There are two single row connectors located on the top of the LD1255. The 10 pin connector is used for the power
supply input, the laser interface, and monitor signals. Table 1 lists the signals on J1:
J1 Pin Number Function

1 +V (+5 to +12VDC, 10mA)
2 COMMON
3 -V (-6 to -12VDC, 0.3A) provides power to laser
4 EXTERNAL CURRENT CONTROL (0 to +5V, or -V to (-V + 5) )
5 DISABLE
6 LASER DIODE ANODE (internally connected to pin 2 ground on LD1255)
7 LASER DIODE CATHODE
8 MONITOR PHOTO DIODE ANODE (from laser) see Note 1.
9 PHOTODIODE MONITOR OUTPUT ( -1V / mA )
10 LASER CURRENT MONITOR OUTPUT (10mV / mA)
Table 1 - J1 Laser & Power Supply Interface
Note 1: The LD1255 photodiode monitor circuit only supports lasers that have a photodiode with an isolated anode. It will not
support common cathode lasers such as the CQL7825/D and CQL7840/D.
The 5 pin connector, J2, is used for selecting the External Current Control Mode of operation as shown in Table 2:
J2 Pins to Jumper Operating Mode

1to 2 Mode 1. COMMON referenced External Current Control
2 to 3 Mode 2. Disable External Current Control
Table 2 - J2 External Current Control Mode Select
SETUP:
Laser & Power Supply Connection:
The LD1255 requires a clean (not switching) DC bipolar power supply for optimum operation. The positive supply
is used only for biasing low power amplifiers and only needs to supply 10mA of current. The laser drive current is
derived from the negative power supply output therefore, it should be capable of providing up to -300mA of
current.
1. Attach the DC power supply to J1 according to Table 1.

2. Attach the laser diode to J1 according to Table 1.
3. Select the desired Current Control Mode using J2 (see section below).
4. Turn the Current Control Potentiometer a full 12 turns counter clockwise to ensure the laser current is at a
minimum.
5. Apply power to the LD1255 and slowly turn the Current Control Potentiometer clockwise until the desired
operating current is achieved. Connect a DVM from Pin 10 of J1 to Pin 4 of J2 to monitor the laser current.
Page 2
Doc No. 0009-D01 Rev C 3/21/02
Circuit Disable
A disable pin has been provided to allow the user to turn the laser diode output on or off without turning the units
power supply off. The advantage to this is the elimination of turn-on/ turn-off transients produced by the power
supply. If the disable switch is shorted to ground, a transistor will provide a short circuit across the laser diode.
Note: It is highly recommended that the laser diode be disabled prior to a power supply turn-on or turn-off
to prevent any transients from damaging the laser diode.
Selecting External Current Control Mode:
The current can also be externally controlled by a voltage source applied to J1 pin 4 (function generator, DAC
output, etc.). The External Current Control voltage must be referenced to the common output of the power supply.
The total drive current is determined by the sum of the manual set point and the External Current Control Voltage.
WARNING: One of the following Operating modes must be selected BEFORE turning the LD1255 on.
Otherwise, the laser will be overdriven and damaged.
Mode 1. COMMON-referenced External Current Control voltage (i.e. 0 to +5V). An internal level shifter
allows the negatively-biased laser to be controlled by a COMMON-referenced control voltage. To
enable this mode jumper pin 1 to 2 on J2.
In Mode 1, the laser current is: ILD = 50 * VPIN4 (mA)
Mode 2. If the External Current Control is not to be used, it should be disabled by jumpering pins 2 and 3
on J2.
Laser Current Monitor:
The laser drive current can be monitored from pin 10 of J1. This output is referenced to the negative supply (J1
Pin 3 or J2 Pin 4) and has the following transfer function:
VPIN10 = -V + ILD * 10
Hint: Using a DVM, the laser current can be read without having to compensate for the -V offset by attaching the
(-) lead to J2 Pin 4 and the (+) lead to J1 Pin 10.
Photodiode Current Monitor:
Warning: The LD1255 has a photodiode monitor circuit that only supports lasers having the laser anode
attached to the photodiode cathode (such as all of the Toshiba lasers and the Philips laser diodes with
the exception of the CQL7825/D and the CQL7840/D).
The use of the monitor input with common cathode lasers will cause damage to the laser. However, the
LD1255 can be used safely with common cathode lasers as long as the photodiode is not connected to
the driver.
An on-board transimpedance amplifier is provided for lasers with internal monitor photodiodes that are supported
by the LD1255 (see warning note above). The amplifier converts the photodiode current to a voltage that can be
measured on J1 Pin 9 for monitoring the relative laser output power. The output of Pin 9 has the following transfer
function:
Eq. 1 VPIN9 = -1000 * IPD (V)
Page 3
Doc No. 0009-D01 Rev C 3/21/02
If the exact monitor current is known for a given laser power, this output can be converted to laser power as
follows:
Eq. 2 P = VPIN9 * α (mW)
Where α is the monitor photodiode conversion factor (mW / mA).
IMPORTANT NOTE: The LD1255 operates diode lasers only in a constant current mode. Caution must be
used to avoid over driving the laser when operating the laser over widely varying temperatures. Diode
lasers become more efficient as their operating temperature decreases. It is possible to over drive the
laser when operating the laser near the maximum drive current if the laser temperature is lowered. Please
consult the laser manufacturers data sheets.
If you have any questions, please call Thorlabs and an engineer will be happy to assist you.
Thorlabs, Inc.
435 Route 206 N
Newton, NJ 07860
(973) 579-7227 Phone
(973) 300-3600 Fax
www.thorlabs.com
Page 4
Thorlabs - Your Source for Fiber Optics, Laser Diodes, Optical Ins... http://www.thorlabs.com/ProductDetail.cfm?&DID=6&ObjectGr...
SEARCH Shopping Cart: 0 Log In

Products Press Releases Rapid Order Request Catalog Support About Us Contact Downloads
Home / Products
Part Number: C230TM-B

Related f=4.5mm 0.55NA Mounted Geltech™ Aspheric Lens, AR Coating: 600-1050nm
350230-B
Design Wavelength (nm): 780
E09RMS
Numerical Aperture: 0.55
S1TM09
SPW301 Diffraction Limited Range (nm): 600-1550
Clear Aperture (nm): 4.95
Effective Focal Length (mm): 4.51
Magnification: Infinite
Laser Window Thickness (mm): 0.25
Laser Window Material/Index: BK7/1.51
RMS WFE (Axial @ 632.8nm Averaged Over Full Aperture): ≤0.065
Glass (Corning): CO550
Unmounted Optic: 350230-B
Aspheric vs. Spherical Lenses In laser diode systems, difficulties with aberration correction are compounded by the
beams’ high divergence angle. Since individual spherical lenses can refract light at only small angles before spherical
aberration is introduced, three or four elements are often required to collimate laser diode light. A single aspheric lens
collimates without introducing aberrations.
Conversely, when coupling into fiber, it is often necessary to focus the laser light to a diffraction limited spot. Single
spherical elements are typically not capable of achieving such a small spot size. Spherical aberration is the dominant
factor rather than the diffraction limit. Because the aspheric lenses are corrected to eliminate the spherical aberration,
only diffraction limits the size of the focal spot. At this point it is necessary to use Gaussian beam optics to describe
the behavior of laser light.
Price: $86.00 Each, Euro: €86,00 Availability: In Stock Weight: 0.00 lbs, 0.00 kg 2004 Catalog Page
Support Drawing (pdf)
Quantity: 1 Support Drawing (dxf)
ORDER : C230TM-B No FAQ's Found
USA Germany Japan Scandinavia United Kingdom

T: 973-579-7227 T: +49 (0)8131 59560 T: +81-3-5977-8401 T: +46 31 733 30 00 T: +44 (0)1353 654440
F: 973-300-3600 F: +49 (0)8131 595699 F: +81-3-5977-8402 F: +46 31 703 40 45 F: +44 (0)1353 654444
sales@thorlabs.com europe@thorlabs.com sales@thorlabs.jp scandinavia@thorlabs.com sales.uk@thorlabs.com
Mechanics Alignment Optics Lasers Fiber Instruments
about us | catalog request | contact us | partners | trade shows | press releases | my Thorlabs
rapid order | support | site index | overstock items | log-in | home
Copyright © 1999 - 2005 Thorlabs, Inc.
1 of 1 5/25/2005 15:06
5(9 '(6&5,37,21 1$0('$7(

63(&,),&$7,216
',0(16,21$/72/(5$1&(6PP
7+,&.1(6672/(5$1&(6PP
*5229(6/,1(6PP
*5229($1*/(
7+25/$%6,1& 32%2;
1(:7211-
72/(5$1&(6 1$0( '$7(
81/(6627+(5:,6(63(&,),(' '5$:1 $3 7,7/(
',0(16,216$5(,1,1&+(6
/,1($572/(5$1&(6
(1*$335
0)*$335
72
72

9,6,%/(75$160,66,21*5$7,1*
7:23/$&('(&,0$/ 0$7(5,$/ 6,=( 5(9
7+5((3/$&('(&,0$/ 35235,(7$5<$1'&21),'(17,$/
6&+277% $ $
127( $1*8/$5

685)$&(),1,6+0,&52,1&+(6 7+(,1)250$7,21&217$,1(',17+,6
6&$/( 6+((72)
)25,1)250$7,2121/< 3$5$//(/,60
)/$71(66
'5$:,1*,67+(62/(3523(57<2)
7+25/$%6,1&$1<5(352'8&7,21
127)250$18)$&785,1* 675$,*+71(66
&21&(175,&,7<
,13$5725$6$:+2/(:,7+287
7+(:5,77(13(50,66,212)
':*12 3$5712
3(53(1',&8/$5,7<
7+5($'&/$66),7 7+25/$%6,1&,6352+,%,7(' ( *7

435 Route 206 • P.O. Box 366 Ph. 973-579-7227
Newton, NJ 07860-0366 FAX 973-300-3600
FDS1010 Si Photodiode
--Large Active Area
--Low Capacitance
Electrical Characteristics
0.450
Spectral Response: 400-1100nm
Active Area: 9.7 x 9.7mm 0.225
Rise/Fall Time (RL=50Ω): 45ns (5V) 0.225 CENTER OF

ACTIVE AREA
Bandwidth (RL=50Ω, -3dB,5V): 8 MHz (typ.)
NEP@900nm: 5.5 x 10-14 W/√Hz 0.520
FDS1010 DETECTOR
ELEMENT
Dark Current: 600nA max (5V)
Junction Capacitance (CJ) 375pF @ 5V (typ) 3.520
Package: 0.45” x 0.52”

ANODE(RED) CATHODE(WHITE)
ceramic wafer
30 GAUGE WIRE
(2PLACES)
0.025
Maximum Ratings CERAMIC SUBSTRATE
2
Damage Threshold CW: 100 mW/cm ANODE CATHODE
Max Bias Voltage: 20V
Storage Temperature: -10 to 60 °C
Operating Temperature: -20 to 70 °C
The Thorlabs FDS1010 photodiode is ideal for measuring both pulsed and CW light sources, by
converting the optical power to an electrical current. The Si detector is mounted on a 0.45”x0.52” ceramic
wafer package with an anode and cathode. The photodiode anode produces a current, which is a function
of the incident light power and the wavelength. The responsivity ℜ(λ), can be read from Figure 1 to
estimate the amount of photocurrent to expect. This can be converted to a voltage by placing a load
resistor (RLOAD) from the photodiode anode to the circuit ground. The output voltage is derived as:
Vo = P * ℜ(λ) * RLOAD
The bandwidth, fBW , and the rise time response, tR, are determined from the diode capacitance, CJ, and
the load resistance, RLOAD, as shown below. Placing a bias voltage from the photo diode cathode to the
circuit ground can lower the photo diode capacitance.
fBW = 1/(2π * RLOAD *CJ), tR = 0.35/fBW
Related Thorlabs Products

FDS010, FDS100, PDA55, PDA155, PDA255, PDA400, WS02, TM2448
2739-S01 Rev B 4/30/01

Page 1 of 2
Typical Circuit Diagram
Noise Filter (Typical Values) FDS1010
+
1K
0.1UF RLOAD
Typical Plots
FDS1010 Responsivity
0.8
0.7
Resposivity (A/W)
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100
Wavelength (nm)
Figure 1: Typical Responsivity curve using Thorlabs calibration services.
2739-S01 Rev B 4/30/01

Page 2 of 2
PIN Photodiodes
PNZ300, PNZ300F (PN300, PN300F)

Silicon PIN Photodiodes
PNZ300 Unit : mm
4.6 0.15
Glass lens
For optical control systems
6.3 0.3
Features
Fast response which is well suited to high speed modulated light
detection
12.7 min.
2- 0.45 0.05
Wide spectral sensitivity
Low dark current and low noise 2.54 0.25
Good photo current linearity and wide dynamic sensitivity
1.
0
Narrow directivity (PNZ300)
0.
2
15
Wide directivity (PNZ300F)
45
0.
0
3
1.
2 1
5.75 max. 1: Anode

2: Cathode
Absolute Maximum Ratings (Ta = 25˚C)
Parameter Symbol Ratings Unit
PNZ300F Unit : mm
Reverse voltage (DC) VR 50 V
4.6 0.15
Glass window
Power dissipation PD 100 mW
Operating ambient temperature Topr –25 to +85 ˚C
4.5 0.2
Storage temperature Tstg –30 to +100 ˚C
12.7 min.
2- 0.45 0.05
2.54 0.25
1.
0
0.
2
15
45
0.
0
3
1.
2 1
5.75 max. 1: Anode

2: Cathode
Note) The part numbers in the parenthesis show conventional part number.
1
PNZ300, PNZ300F PIN Photodiodes
Electro-Optical Characteristics (Ta = 25˚C)

Parameter Symbol Conditions min typ max Unit
Dark current ID VR = 10V 0.1 10 nA
PNZ300 30 55 µA
Photo current IL VR = 10V, L = 1000 lx*1
PNZ300F 5 7 µA
Peak sensitivity wavelength λP VR = 10V 800 nm
Response time tr, tf *2 VR = 20V, RL = 50Ω 1 ns
Capacitance between pins Ct VR = 10V, f = 1MHz 7 pF
PNZ300 10 deg.
Acceptance half angle θ Measured from the optical axis to the half power point
PNZ300F 40 deg.
*1 Measurements were made using a tungsten lamp (color temperature T = 2856K) as a light source.
*2 Switching time measurement circuit
Sig.IN VR = 10V
(Input pulse) td : Delay time
λP = 800nm 90% tr : Rise time (Time required for the collector photo current
Sig.OUT
10% to increase from 10% to 90% of its final value)
(Output pulse)
td tf : Fall time (Time required for the collector photo current
;;;;
;;;;
50Ω RL
tr tf
to decrease from 90% to 10% of its initial value)
PD — Ta IL — L ID — V R
120 10 2
VR = 10V Ta = 25˚C
10 3
Ta = 25˚C
T = 2856K
100
PD (mW)
10 2 10
IL (µA)
ID (nA)
80
00
03
10
Z
Power dissipation
PN
Photo current
1
Dark current
0F
60
30
Z
PN
1
40
10 –1
10 –1
20
0 10 –2 10 –2
– 20 0 20 40 60 80 100 1 10 10 2 10 3 10 4 10 –1 1 10 10 2
Ambient temperature Ta (˚C ) Illuminance L (lx) Reverse voltage VR (V)
2
PIN Photodiodes PNZ300, PNZ300F
IL — V R Ct — V R IL — Ta
50 10 3 100
VR = 10V, Ta = 25˚C, T = 2856K Ta = 25˚C VR = 10V
PNZ 0300
Ct (pF)
40 80
L = 1000 lx 10 2
IL (µA)
IL (µA)
PNZ 300F
Capacitance between pins

30 60
Photo current
Photo current
10
PNZ 0300 PNZ 0300
20 L = 500 lx 40
PNZ 300F
1
10 20
L = 100 lx PNZ 0300
PNZ 300F
0 10 –1 0
0 10 20 30 40 50 10 –1 1 10 10 2 – 40 – 20 0 20 40 60 80 100
Reverse voltage VR (V) Reverse voltage VR (V) Ambient temperature Ta (˚C )
ID — Ta Spectral sensitivity characteristics Directivity characteristics

10 3 100 100
VR = 10V VCE = 10V
Ta = 25˚C
10 2
80 80
S (%)
S (%)
ID (nA)
10
0F
60 60
PNZ 0300
Relative sensitivity
Relative sensitivity
PNZ 30
1
Dark current
40 40
10 –1
20 20
10 –2
10 –3 0 0
– 40 – 20 0 20 40 60 80 100 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 80 40 0 40 80
Ambient temperature Ta (˚C ) Wavelength λ (nm) Angle θ (deg.)
fC — R L
10 3
VR = 10V
Ta = 25˚C
10 2
fC (MHz)
10
Cutoff frequency
10 –1
10 –2
10 –3
10 10 2 10 3 10 4 10 5 10 6 10 7
External load resistance RL (Ω)
3
Request for your special attention and precautions in using the technical information
and semiconductors described in this material
(1) An export permit needs to be obtained from the competent authorities of the Japanese Govern-
ment if any of the products or technologies described in this material and controlled under the
"Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Law" is to be exported or taken out of Japan.
(2) The technical information described in this material is limited to showing representative character-
istics and applied circuit examples of the products. It does not constitute the warranting of industrial
property, the granting of relative rights, or the granting of any license.
(3) The products described in this material are intended to be used for standard applications or gen-
eral electronic equipment (such as office equipment, communications equipment, measuring in-
struments and household appliances).
Consult our sales staff in advance for information on the following applications:
• Special applications (such as for airplanes, aerospace, automobiles, traffic control equipment,
combustion equipment, life support systems and safety devices) in which exceptional quality and
reliability are required, or if the failure or malfunction of the products may directly jeopardize life or
harm the human body.
• Any applications other than the standard applications intended.
(4) The products and product specifications described in this material are subject to change without
notice for reasons of modification and/or improvement. At the final stage of your design, purchas-
ing, or use of the products, therefore, ask for the most up-to-date Product Standards in advance to
make sure that the latest specifications satisfy your requirements.
(5) When designing your equipment, comply with the guaranteed values, in particular those of maxi-
mum rating, the range of operating power supply voltage and heat radiation characteristics. Other-
wise, we will not be liable for any defect which may arise later in your equipment.
Even when the products are used within the guaranteed values, redundant design is recommended,
so that such equipment may not violate relevant laws or regulations because of the function of our
products.
(6) When using products for which dry packing is required, observe the conditions (including shelf life
and after-unpacking standby time) agreed upon when specification sheets are individually exchanged.
(7) No part of this material may be reprinted or reproduced by any means without written permission
from our company.
Please read the following notes before using the datasheets

A. These materials are intended as a reference to assist customers with the selection of Panasonic
semiconductor products best suited to their applications.
Due to modification or other reasons, any information contained in this material, such as available
product types, technical data, and so on, is subject to change without notice.
Customers are advised to contact our semiconductor sales office and obtain the latest information
before starting precise technical research and/or purchasing activities.
B. Panasonic is endeavoring to continually improve the quality and reliability of these materials but
there is always the possibility that further rectifications will be required in the future. Therefore,
Panasonic will not assume any liability for any damages arising from any errors etc. that may ap-
pear in this material.
C. These materials are solely intended for a customer's individual use.
Therefore, without the prior written approval of Panasonic, any other use such as reproducing,
selling, or distributing this material to a third party, via the Internet or in any other way, is prohibited.
2001 MAR
[muRata] Page 1 of 1
Search
Home > Search Engine > Catalog: 7BB-27-4
Piezoelectric Sound Components > Piezoelectric Diaphragms
Specification Details
Global Part Number 7BB-27-4

z Part Numbering
Previous Part Number 7BB-27-4
4.6kHz z Appearance
Resonant Frequency
±0.5kHz z Dimensions
Resonant Impedance 200ohm max. z Features_and_Applications
Capacitance 20.0nF ±30%
z Notice_
Measurement Condition of (storage_and_operating_condition)
[1kHz]
Capacitance
Plate Size 27.0mm z Notice_(soldering_and_mounting)
Element Size 19.7mm z Notice_(handling)
Electrode Size 18.2mm
Thickness 0.54mm
Plate Thickness 0.30mm
Plate Material Brass
Drive Type External Drive
Minimum Quantity
180mm Paper Tape

180mm Embossed Tape
330mm Paper Tape
330mm Embossed Tape
Bulk Case
Bulk(Bag)
Ammo Pack
320Reel
Magazine
Box 1500
Product specifications in this catalog are as of January 2007,

and are subject to change or obsolescence without notice.
Please approve our product specifications or transact the approval sheet before ordering.
Please read rating and !Cautions first.
All products and company names herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
| Site Map | History | Terms of use | Privacy Policy |
http://search.murata.co.jp/Ceramy/CatalogAction.do?sHinnm=7BB-27-4&sNHinnm=7B... 20/01/2007
[muRata] Page 1 of 1
Search
Home > Search Engine > 7BB-27-4: Dimensions
All products and company names herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
| Site Map | History | Terms of use | Privacy Policy |
http://search.murata.co.jp/Ceramy/CatalogshowpageAction.do?sDirnm=A07X&sFilnm=... 20/01/2007
Please do not touch the component with bare hand because
electrode may be corroded.
The component may be damaged if mechanical stress over

this specification is applied.
Please pay attention to protect operating circuit from surge

voltage provided by something of force such as falling,
shock and temperature changing.
If DC voltage is applied to the component, silver migration

may occur. Please pay full attention not to subject the
component to DC voltage for long periods.
The resistor should be used as shown in Fig. A. A suitable

resistance value should be chosen, preferably 1kΩ to 2kΩ. R
Instead of this measure, a diode may also be applied as

shown in Fig. B. IC IC
Fig.A Fig.B
30MM SQUARE THERMOELECTRIC COOLER | All Electronics Corp - Parts, Supplie... Page 1 of 2
Search
30MM SQUARE THERMOELECTRIC COOLER
New thermoelectric devices, prepped with a temperature

cutoff switch. Originally intended for 12Vdc use in picnic and
automotive coolers/ heaters. 127 thermocouples per device.
deltaTmax=79degC, Thot=50degC, Vmax=16.1V. 30MM x
30MM x 3.3MM. Qmax=38.7 Watts, Imax=3.9A.
CAT# PJT-5
Your Price: $9.75 each
Special Quantity Discounts!

Larger Picture Available
10 or more $ 9.00 each
In stock, ships within 24-48 hours.
Click here to email a friend about this item
Customer Comments
Write an online review of this part and share your thoughts with other viewers!
Avg. Customer Review:

Number of Reviews: 1
5 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
Peltoer fogureof merit 04/02/2007
Reviewer: Dr JKeffery Lewins from Ca,nbridge, England

I would be grateful if this academic enquiry could be passed on to your technical staff.
Writing up my teaching notes on Peltier coolers I am unsure of the definition of the
conventional figure of merit Z outside the linear range. In the linbear range we have Z~S qd
T where T is the absolute tenperature abd S a Seebeck term that can either be the Seebeck
ratio (the voltahe dfference across the junctions divided by the temperature difference) or
the first Seebek coeficient, the slope of the voltag with temperature at the non-ambient
junction dV/dT. In the linear rnae there is no difference but outside this range, is tere any
standard practice? If the ratio is taken, this is easier to measure exoerimentallu but would
require a knwoedge of th ambinet temperature for use. If the irst voefficient is employed,
http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/PJT-5/775/30MM_SQUARE_THERMOELE... 10/04/2007
E.2 Microwave Components
82
HMC507LP5 / 507LP5E
v00.0406
MMIC VCO w/ HALF FREQUENCY
OUTPUT 6.65 - 7.65 GHz
Typical Applications Features

Low noise MMIC VCO w/Half Frequency, for: Dual Output: Fo = 6.65 - 7.65 GHz
• VSAT Radio Fo/2 = 3.325 - 3.825 GHz
• Point to Point/Multi-Point Radio Pout: +13.5 dBm
• Test Equipment & Industrial Controls Phase Noise: -115 dBc/Hz @100 kHz Typ.
• Military End-Use No External Resonator Needed

QFN Leadless SMT Package, 25 mm2
Functional Diagram General Description

The HMC507LP5 & HMC507LP5E are GaAs InGaP
Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT) MMIC
VCOs. The HMC507LP5 & HMC507LP5E integrate
resonators, negative resistance devices, varactor
11 diodes and feature a half frequency output. The VCO’s

phase noise performance is excellent over temperature,
shock, and process due to the oscillator’s monolithic
structure. Power output is +13.5 dBm typical from a +5V
VCOS & PLOs - SMT
supply. The voltage controlled oscillator is packaged

in a leadless QFN 5x5 mm surface mount package,
and requires no external matching components.
Electrical Specifications, TA = +25° C, Vcc = +5V

Parameter Min. Typ. Max. Units
Fo 6.65 - 7.65 GHz
Frequency Range
Fo/2 3.325 - 3.825 GHz
RFOUT +11 +16 dBm
Power Output
RFOUT/2 +4 +10 dBm
SSB Phase Noise @ 100 kHz Offset, Vtune= +5V @ RFOUT -115 dBc/Hz
Tune Voltage Vtune 2 13 V
Supply Current (Icc) (Vcc = +5.0V) 200 230 270 mA
Tune Port Leakage Current (Vtune= 13V) 10 μA
Output Return Loss 2 dB
Harmonics/Subharmonics 1/2 35 dBc
2nd 4 dBc
3rd 24 dBc
Pulling (into a 2.0:1 VSWR) 8 MHz pp
Pushing @ Vtune= 5V 15 MHz/V
Frequency Drift Rate 0.9 MHz/°C
For price, delivery, and to place orders, please contact Hittite Microwave Corporation:
11 - 108 20 Alpha Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824 Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373
Order On-line at www.hittite.com
HMC525LC4
v01.0806
GaAs MMIC I/Q MIXER
4 - 8.5 GHz
Typical Applications Features

The HMC525LC4 is ideal for: Wide IF Bandwidth: DC - 3.5 GHz
• Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multi-Point Radio Image Rejection: 40 dB
• VSAT LO to RF Isolation: 50 dB
High Input IP3: +23 dBm
RoHS Compliant 4x4 mm SMT Package
8
Functional Diagram General Description
MIXERS - SMT
The HMC525LC4 is a compact I /Q MMIC mixer in

a leadless “Pb free” RoHS compliant SMT package,
which can be used as either an Image Reject Mixer
or a Single Sideband Upconverter. The mixer utilizes
two standard Hittite double balanced mixer cells and
a 90 degree hybrid fabricated in a GaAs MESFET
process. A low frequency quadrature hybrid was used
to produce a 100 MHz USB IF output. This product
is a much smaller alternative to hybrid style Image
Reject Mixers and Single Sideband Upconverter
assemblies. The HMC525LC4 eliminates the need
for wire bonding allowing use of surface mount
manufacturing techniques.
Electrical Specifications, TA = +25° C, IF= 100 MHz, LO = +15 dBm*

Parameter Min. Typ. Max. Min. Typ. Max. Units
Frequency Range, RF/LO 4.0 - 8.5 5.5 - 7.5 GHz
Frequency Range, IF DC - 3.5 DC - 3.5 GHz
Conversion Loss (As IRM) 8 11 7.5 9.5 dB
Image Rejection 20 35 30 40 dB
1 dB Compression (Input) +14 +15 dBm
LO to RF Isolation 33 45 40 50 dB
LO to IF Isolation 14 20 17 20 dB
IP3 (Input) +23 +23 dBm
Amplitude Balance 0.3 0.2 dB
Phase Balance 8 4 Deg
* Unless otherwise noted, all measurements performed as downconverter.
For price, delivery, and to place orders, please contact Hittite Microwave Corporation:
8 - 382 20 Alpha Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824 Phone: 978-250-3343 Fax: 978-250-3373
Order On-line at www.hittite.com

Paz-Soldan AtomClock

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Paz-Soldan AtomClock

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

PHYS 450 Design Project Final Report:

Rubidium Atomic Clock

April 10th , 2007

6 Responsibilities and Timeline 27

2.1 Tuneable Laser

2.2 Absorption Spectrum of Rubidium

2.3 Optical Locking to Hyperfine Peak

2.5 Frequency Stability Characterization

2.6 Refinement of Quantitative Objectives

3.2 Littrow Configuration Tunable Diode Laser

mλ = d(sin(a) + sin(b)) (2)

Figure 2: The Diffraction Grating

3.3 Saturated Absorption Spectroscopy

Figure 3: Overview of Experimental Setup

Figure 4: Laser Diode Components

4.2 Littrow Tunable Diode Laser

4.3 Saturated Spectroscopy

Figure 5: Laser diode comparison

Figure 6: Saturated Spectroscopy Setup

4.4 Microwave Synthesis

Output Clock Signal (f/64)

Figure 7: Microwave synthesis and feedback chain.

4.4.1 Quadrature Oscillator

4.4.5 Frequency Division

Figure 10: Schematic circuit diagram of the microwave feedback circuit.

4.5.1 Short Term Frequency Stability

Figure 12: Testing GPS reception in outdoor mounting location.

4.6 Microwave Cavity and Waveguide

5.1.1 Angle Dependence of Lasing Wavelength

Figure 14: Gaussian Beam Profiles at Various Tuning Knob Angles

Center Wavelength (nm)

Figure 15: Tuning with Knob Angle

5.1.2 Temperature Stabilization

Figure 16: Step Response of Temperature Controller

5.1.3 Constant Current Driver Performance

Laser Current (mA)

Figure 17: Lasing Current in Constant Current Mode

Table 1: Division of Labour Chart

6 Responsibilities and Timeline

6.2 Gantt Chart

3 Procurment of necessary parts Mon 18/12/06 Dirk and Bernie

4 Christmas Holidays Fri 22/12/06

6 Tuned Laser Construction Thu 11/01/07 Carlos Paz-Soldan[50%],Gaetan Kenway[50%]

8 Microwave Cavity Design Tue 16/01/07 Devon Stopps[50%],Joshua Bendavid[50%]

9 Microwave Cavity Construction Tue 23/01/07 Joseph Fox

10 Reading (Thesis) Week Tue 13/02/07

11 Rubidium Vapour Cell Design Tue 27/02/07 Joseph Fox[15%],Joshua Bendavid[15%]

12 Optical Setup Tue 20/03/07 David Burns[50%],Carlos Paz-Soldan[15%],Gaetan Kenway[15%]

13 Sa Spectroscopy Measurements Tue 27/03/07 David Burns[15%],Joshua Bendavid[15%],Carlos

14 Microwave Synthesizer Operation Thu 29/03/07 Joshua Bendavid,Joseph Fox

15 Cavity Feedback Control Thu 19/04/07 Devon Stopps

16 Complete System Debugging Tue 03/04/07 Carlos Paz-Soldan,David Burns,Devon Stopps,Gaetan

17 Timing Measurements Fri 20/04/07 Carlos Paz-Soldan,David Burns,Devon Stopps,Gaet

Figure 22: Gantt Chart for Atomic Clock Project

[26] A. Kaplan, M. F. Andersen, T. Grunzweig, and N. Davidson. Hyperfine spectroscopy of optically

Part Quan Part Num Supplier Unit Price Total

Table A-1: List of purchased components for the experiment

Figure A-1: Satspec optical side-lock circuitry schematic

1. Power Supply Stage for ref and probe diodes

Figure A-4: Schematic showing quadrature synthesis and switching

Fine Adjustment Screw

.375 SOLID EDGE

28° .188 .125 .181