Abstract

Femtosecond laser optical comb systems open up a way to measure the optical frequency with the accuracy of HF or microwave frequency standards. HF frequency standards are used for the control of the repetition rate of femtosecond frequency comb systems. We investigate the relation between the stability of the HF frequency standards and the optical frequency measurement capability of the femtosecond frequency comb systems. As a reference of optical frequency, an ultranarrow linewidth laser using Pound-Drever-Hall technique with an ultrahigh-finesse optical cavity is prepared. We evaluate the frequency stability of the laser by using Menlo systems FC 8003 optical frequency comb with several HF standards such as Hydrogen maser standard, commercial Cs frequency standards, or high stability synthesizer.

© 2004 Optical Society of America