Advanced modulation techniques for next generation laser stabilisation systems

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Optical hardware of laser stabilisation system (feat. Dr. Emily Rose-Rees and Dr. Andrew Wade)

Synopsis

This project will explore new concepts and techniques in laser frequency stablisation.

Description

The Project: Laser frequency stabilisation is a foundational technology in laser-based instrumentation. Stable lasers are essential for satellite-based measurements of icecap melt and for next generation optical atomic clocks. In this project you will build and analyse the performance of a multi-frequency variant of the Pound-Drever-Hall locking technique. You will test new laser stabilisation approaches on a state-of-the-art optical cavity test bed, built to test space-based laser calibration hardware. 

Our team and work: our research team works on technologies for next generation gravitational wave and earth gravity monitoring missions. We have made significant contributions to the development of the GRACE-C Scale Factor laser frequency calibration unit which will fly in 2028. This mission will operate for five years in low earth orbit to track the movement of water about the earth. Data, enabled by technology, developed at ANU, will be key to monitoring the progress of global warming, groundwater depletion and ice cap melt.

We are currently working on a range of technologies to reduce the cost and risk of future missions and to improve their mapping resolution. We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate young scientists. We value diversity and inclusion in our research team. We seek to foster a supportive, inclusive and flexible team environment to bring out the best in everyone.

Required background

This project will be most suitable to 2nd or 3rd year Physics or Engineering students.

We don't perscribe a list of niche skills, we'd rather chat to you and find out what you're interested in and what new skills you would like to develop. 

How to apply: If you have an interest in this project or would like to learn more about our work, we recommend that you read the following papers and send us an email letting us know why you are interested and what makes you excited to do science. Please provide an academic transcript and a brief CV (if relevant).

• E. D. Black, An introduction to Pound–Drever–Hall laser frequency stabilization, American Journal of Physics 69, 79 (2001). [https://doi.org/10.1119/1.1286663]
• K. Abich et al., In-Orbit Performance of the GRACE Follow-on Laser Ranging Interferometer, Phys. Rev. Lett. 123, 031101 (2019). [https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.123.031101]
• B. J. Meers and K. A. Strain, Modulation, signal, and quantum noise in interferometers, Phys. Rev. A 44, 4693 (1991). [https://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevA.44.4693]

Research fields