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 2/3) 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 (2/3) f frequencies, a precise and accurate optical frequency comb can be provided in the ~1–2 μm 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.

© 1992 Optical Society of America

Absolute-frequency measurements with a stabilized near-infrared optical frequency comb from a Cr:forsterite laser

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