(NPL: Teddington, England) -- Scientists at the National Physical Laboratory recently published findings on laser frequency stabilization, demonstrating an unprecedented level of performance using an optical reference cavity. This advancement features a beyond state-of-the-art optical storage time and a novel approach to actively cancel spurious stabilization noise.

Frequency stabilization of lasers to optical reference cavities is a well-established method for achieving superior stability. The recent work significantly reduces technical stabilization noise, enabling lasers with enhanced stability performance. The team developed an optical reference cavity measuring an extraordinary 68 cm in length, achieving a record optical storage time of 300 microseconds. To put this achievement in perspective, the light trapped between the high reflectivity mirrors at either end of the 68 cm cavity can travel approximately 100 km, equivalent to twice the length of the Eurotunnel.

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