University of Oklahoma2019–2022
Frequency-Tunable Squeezed Light via DC Stark Shift
Atomic state dressing with high-voltage electric fields to tune squeezed light to resonance
Summary
Demonstrated frequency-tunable squeezed light by dressing a ⁸⁵Rb vapor with a large DC electric field (110 kV/cm), shifting atomic resonances by up to 730 MHz via the DC Stark effect.
Challenge
FWM-based resonant squeezing had near-zero tunability; extending to other atomic species or transitions required a fundamentally different approach.
Contribution
Designed and built a custom high-voltage vacuum chamber with internal Macor-insulated electrodes; achieved 110 kV/cm without electrical breakdown at FWM-compatible vapor pressures.
Outcome
Tuned squeezed light frequency by 600 MHz (D1) and 740 MHz (D2) while preserving −3.8 dB of squeezing; opens route to resonant squeezing in arbitrary alkali species.
