Method and Apparatus for Generating Two Light Waves Which Have Stable Frequencies Relative to One Another

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This invention describes a method and apparatus for producing two light waves, such as laser beams, whose frequencies are stably related to each other by using a special atomic or molecular system known as a lambda system. By illuminating these particles with carefully tuned laser beams and temporarily interrupting the illumination, it creates a situation where the frequency difference between the generated light waves is determined solely by the natural energy difference between quantum states of the particles, independent of external technical influences. This principle is especially applicable to precise magnetic field measurements and highly stable timekeeping.

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• Ultra-precise atomic clocks, taking advantage of the stable frequency reference set by atomic transitions.
• Sensitive magnetometers for measuring magnetic fields, including biomedical applications like non-invasive heart diagnostics (magnetocardiography).
• High-resolution spectroscopy, where stable, precisely related laser frequencies are needed.
• Quantum information and quantum computing setups requiring frequency-stable laser systems.
• Optical frequency combs or synthesizers for metrology and calibration labs.
• Spatially resolved magnetic field mapping in physics and material science experiments.
• Programmable or tunable beam steering devices using controlled magnetic gradients.

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• Generates pairs of light waves with exceptional frequency stability, largely immune to technical noise or mechanical instabilities.
• No need for complex technical stabilization of laser frequency differences: the atomic properties set the reference.
• Simplifies experimental setups for applications demanding precise frequency differences between light sources.
• Allows absolute measurement of magnetic field strengths and directions based on fundamental atomic properties (Zeeman effect).
• Adaptable to multiple, spatially separated measurement points, enabling parallel or distributed sensing (e.g., multi-point heart field mapping).
• Promotes miniaturization and robustness due to reduced sensitivity to alignment or tuning drifts.
• Can concentrate energy from multiple input beams into a single, precisely controlled output frequency for specialized energy conversion.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for generating two light waves (3, 11) which have stable frequencies relative to one another, in which method an accumulation of particles of a lambda system is illuminated by a control light beam (3) and a first signal light beam (4), wherein the control light beam (3) and the signal light beam (4) are matched to the range of a dark resonance of the particles of the lambda system in terms of the respective wavelength and relative wavelength difference with respect to one another and form a coherent dark state of the particles of the lambda system, after which the control light beam (3) and the first signal light beam (4) are switched off and, after an illumination break, the control light beam (3) is switched on again and the particles of the lambda system are illuminated by the control light beam (3), wherein a second signal light beam (11) is generated by the particles of the lambda system by the illumination with the control light beam (3), and said second signal light beam (11) has a frequency difference relative to the control light beam (3) which corresponds to the frequency difference of the two basic states of the particles of the lambda system. The invention furthermore relates to an apparatus, in particular to magnetic field measurement and in particular for implementing the method.