Laser-Based Measurements for Time and Frequency Domain Applications

Foreword by Nobel laureate Professor Theodor W. Hänsch of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Based on the authors’ experimental work over the last 25 years, Laser-Based Measurements for Time and Frequency Domain Applications: A Handbook presents basic concepts, state-of-the-art applications, and future trends in optical, atomic, and molecular physics. It provides all the background information on the main kinds of laser sources and techniques, offers a detailed account of the most recent results obtained for time- and frequency-domain applications of lasers, and develops the theoretical framework necessary for understanding the experimental applications.

After a historical introduction, the book describes the basic concepts and mathematical tools required for studying the physics of oscillators. It then discusses microwave and optical resonators, crucial aspects of operation and fundamental properties of lasers, and precision spectroscopy and absolute frequency metrology. It also focuses on microwave and optical frequency standards and explores current and potential research directions.

Accessible to scientists, postdoc researchers, and advanced undergraduate students, this self-contained book gives a wide-ranging, balanced overview of the areas―including frequency standards and clocks, ultra-high-precision spectroscopy, quantum information, and environmental metrology―revolutionized by the recent advent of optical frequency comb synthesizers (OFCSs) based on femtosecond mode-locked lasers. The book is also a useful guide to cutting-edge research for manufacturers of advanced laser systems and optical devices.

Pasquale Maddaloni is a research scientist at the National Institute for Optics (INO) of the National Research Council (CNR) in Naples. His research focuses on nonlinear optics and precision spectroscopy assisted by optical frequency comb synthesizers as well as cold stable molecules. He earned a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Padua.

Marco Bellini is a senior researcher at the National Institute for Optics (INO) of the National Research Council (CNR) in Florence. His research deals with ultrashort and ultraintense laser pulses to produce highly nonlinear interactions with matter, the production and applications of high-order laser harmonics, and the development of new tools in quantum optics. He earned a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Florence.

Paolo De Natale is a staff scientist and director of the National Institute for Optics (INO) of the National Research Council (CNR) in Florence. He is a SPIE fellow, is the author of 200 papers, and holds five patents. His research activities focus on atomic, molecular, and optical physics, including novel optoelectronic devices, sub-Doppler molecular spectroscopy, optical frequency comb synthesizers, quantum cascade lasers, fiber-based optical sensors, and molecular gas sensing.