title: Implementation and characterization of a stable optical frequency distribution system.
abstract: An optical frequency distribution system has been developed that continuously delivers a stable optical frequency of 268 THz (corresponding to a wavelength of 1118 nm) to different experiments in our institute. For that purpose, a continuous wave (cw) fiber laser has been stabilized onto a frequency comb and distributed across the building by the use of a fiber network. While the light propagates through the fiber, acoustic and thermal effects counteract against the stability and accuracy of the system. However, by employing proper stabilization methods a stability of 2 x 10(-13) tau(-1/2) is achieved, limited by the available radio frequency (RF) reference. Furthermore, the issue of counter-dependant results of the Allan deviation was examined during the data evaluation.
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institute for Quantum Optics, 85748 Garching, Germany. Birgitta.Bernhardt@mpq.mpg.de
authors.forename: Birgitta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bernhardt
authors.forename: Theodor W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Hänsch
authors.forename: Ronald
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Holzwarth