Optical Frequency Comb Site

: Used to calibrate spectrographs on telescopes to detect tiny wobbles in distant stars, helping find Earth-like exoplanets .

An is a specialized laser that acts as an "optical ruler," measuring different frequencies (colors) of light with extraordinary precision. Unlike a standard laser that emits one single color, a frequency comb emits hundreds of thousands or even millions of precisely spaced, discrete frequency lines simultaneously. Core Concept: The "Optical Ruler" optical frequency comb

: To make the comb absolute, researchers use a technique called "self-referencing," which involves doubling the lowest frequencies of the comb and comparing them to the highest ones (an "octave") to lock Key Applications : Used to calibrate spectrographs on telescopes to

: Generated by modulating a continuous laser with radio waves, allowing for highly tunable tooth spacing. Optical Frequency Combs | NIST Core Concept: The "Optical Ruler" : To make

(Repetition Rate) : The spacing between the teeth, determined by how fast the laser pulses.