Optical frequency counting from the UV to the near IR

Abstract

A method for measuring optical frequencies from the UV to the near IR relative to a microwave frequency standard is proposed. The concept is to measure the frequency difference of two known ratios ((1/2) and ?) of an optical frequency f relative to the cesium clock. By employing optical parametric oscillators and wideband modulators to link the ((1/2))f and (?)f frequencies, a precise and accurate optical frequency comb can be provided in the ~1-2-microm wavelength region. By using this comb, most optical frequencies from the UV to the near IR can be measured or synthesized. A configuration for measuring the frequency of the hydrogen 1S-2S transition is described.