Cryogenic, all-sapphire, Fabry–Perot optical frequency reference

This paper presents a design for a Fabry–Perot optical frequency reference resonator which utilizes the high dimensional stability of cryogenically cooled sapphire. We show that cryogenic sapphire cavities can achieve substantial improvements in frequency stability compared with room-temperature cavities. The design of a laser stabilization system based on such a resonator is discussed. Estimates of fundamental and practical limitations on the frequency stability of such a system suggest that a fractional frequency stability of 10−16 over integration times from 10 to 104 s is possible. The fundamental limits to stability from quantum shot noise, radiation pressure fluctuations, and thermal noise are overwhelmed by practical limits which arise due to mechanical, thermal, and optical effects.