Frequency Comb Experiments and Radio Frequency Instrumentation Analysis for Optical Atomic Clocks

Space-based global navigation and precision timing systems are critical for modern infrastructure. Atomic clock technology has increased the precision of these systems so that they are viable for military operations, navigation, telecommunications, and finance. Advances in optical atomic clocks, based on optical frequencies, provide an opportunity for even more precise timing. Therefore, developments in chip-scale optical atomic clock technologies could lead to increased and more wide-spread application of this precision timing. One component of the optical atomic clock is the optical frequency comb which serves as an interface between optical and microwave frequencies. This thesis will cover experiments related to these optical frequency combs. A 2µm fiber laser was developed in order to test second harmonic devices required to stabilize an optical frequency comb. The laser was then employed to measure the operating wavelengths and efficiencies of non-linear devices. In addition, an analysis of the radio frequency instruments used to evaluate microwave outputs was conducted to determine whether a digital signal analyzer (oscilloscope) or an analog electronic spectrum analyzer provides more accurate results for optical frequency comb based experiments