用于原子干涉的光学锁相环技术研究进展

Research Progress on Optical Phase-locked Loop Technology for Atom Interferometry

  • 摘要: 光学锁相环(OPLL)作为制备高质量相干光的有效方法,在原子干涉精密测量领域有着广泛而成熟的应用。利用相位锁定环路对光学信号频率与相位进行锁定,从而产生相位相干的激光,OPLL具有频差调节范围宽、相位噪声小、无边带干扰和相干光空间易分离等优势。相较于利用声光调制、电光调制等其他相干光制备方法实现的原子干涉精密测量传感器,采用OPLL技术实现的传感器具有更好的性能。通过阐述OPLL的基本原理及光路结构,综述并评价了国内外用于原子干涉的OPLL技术发展现状与采用的技术方案,并结合原子干涉精密测量特点,在分析总结OPLL技术的基础上,提出了与数字控制技术结合、系统向集成化与模块化演进、基于光子集成实现芯片化等三大发展趋势。研究结果为提升OPLL的综合性能,满足基础物理研究、惯性导航及空间探测等领域所需的高精度原子干涉精密测量传感器提供有力支撑。

     

    Abstract: The Optical Phase-Locked Loop (OPLL) is a highly effective technique for generating high-quality coherent light, and it has been widely applied in precision measurement systems based on atom interferometry. Its operation relies on a phase-locked electronic feedback circuit to actively stabilize the frequency and phase of an optical signal, producing a highly stable and phase-coherent laser output. This approach offers several key advantages, including a wide frequency offset tuning range, low phase noise, absence of sideband interference common in modulation-based methods, and an easy spatial separation of coherent beams. Sensors utilizing OPLL technology demonstrate superior performance in atom interferometry compared with those using alternative methods like Acousto-Optic Modulators (AOMs) or Electro-Optic Modulators (EOMs). The enhanced phase stability and spectral purity directly contribute to lower measurement noise and higher sensitivity, which are critical for advanced applications in inertial sensing and gravimetry. This paper first introduces the fundamental principles and optical configurations of OPLL systems. It then provides a comprehensive review and a critical evaluation of the current state-of-the-art OPLL technologies employed in atom interferometry, with coverage of both domestic and international developments. The discussion includes an analysis of the technical approaches adopted to address key implementation challenges. Looking forward, to meet the demanding requirements of next-generation atom interferometric precision measurements—which require greater robustness, miniaturization, and scalability—this work identifies three major development trends. These are the deep integration with digital signal processing for enhanced control and performance, the pursuit of system-level integration and modularization for improved reliability, and the pioneering effort towards chip-scale implementation based on Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs). This systematic analysis provides a solid foundation for advancing the overall capability of future OPLL systems, which thereby facilitates the development of high-precision atom interferometry sensors, enabling their broader deployment in fundamental physics research, autonomous inertial navigation, and space exploration.

     

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