Single frequency lasers for rubidium quantum systems

Single box 780 nm laser replacing diode, amplifier, noise suppression, and locking chains

High performance 780 nm single frequency CW lasers for rubidium applications, including Raman transitions, atom interferometry, optical cavity locking (PDH), and quantum memory systems for hybrid quantum networks and quantum computing.

Designed as a stable, high power alternative to ECDL + tapered amplifier chains, Skylark CW DPSS lasers provide an ultra-stable 780 nm source for systems where frequency stability, phase coherence, and long-term reliability directly limit performance.

780 nm
up to 400 mW
Skylark 780

780 nm single frequency DPSS NIR laser

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785 nm
up to 400 mW
Skylark 785

785 nm single frequency DPSS NIR laser

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APPLICATIONS

Ultra-stable laser performance enabling advances in quantum sensing, timing, and communication

The Skylark 780 NX is a single frequency continuous-wave DPSS laser engineered for the rubidium D₂ transition at 780 nm.

Atom cooling

The 780 NX provides the stable 780 nm light required to cool and trap rubidium atoms for quantum experiments and sensors. Its narrow linewidth and low amplitude noise enable long-lived magneto-optical traps and consistent loading conditions for cold-atom systems.

The 780 NX powers applications such as:

  • Laser cooling and trapping of rubidium atoms
  • Sub-Doppler cooling
  • Rb MOTs (magneto-optical traps)

Optical referencing

With excellent frequency stability and single-mode operation, the 780 NX functions as a reference or seed laser in complex quantum and metrology systems. It provides a reliable optical carrier that can be directly locked to rubidium transitions or frequency combs for long-term stability.

  • Rubidium frequency references
  • Rubidium optical clocks
  • Master oscillator or seed source for Raman and probe lasers
  • Frequency calibration and optical referencing

Quantum measurement and sensing

Stable, low-noise laser output is essential for atom interferometry and quantum sensing, where laser phase noise directly affects sensitivity and measurement accuracy. The 780 NX’s spectral purity and robust design make it well suited to long interrogation sequences and deployment in non-laboratory environments.

  • Quantum gravimetry and gravity gradiometry
  • Quantum magnetometry and inertial sensing
  • Raman transition beam splitters and atomic interferometers
  • Quantum communication and frequency-conversion

Long term, alignment-free stability for commercial-grade quantum systems

The Skylark 780 NX delivers sub-Hz intrinsic linewidth and ultra-low noise performance in a compact, alignment-free DPSS platform tuned to the rubidium D₂ transition at 780 nm. It combines the spectral purity of a Ti:Sapphire laser with the reliability and simplicity of a diode system — providing long-term frequency stability, mechanical robustness, and clean TEM₀₀ mode with excellent beam quality.

Narrow linewidth

The Skylark 780 NX achieves a sub-Hz intrinsic linewidth, limited only by quantum noise within the resonator. In practical use, the passive linewidth remains below 13 kHz (1 ms), and the measured linewidth stays below 300 kHz (100 ms), demonstrating exceptional frequency stability over both short and extended timescales. This performance enables long-coherence atomic interrogation and robust laser locking in both laboratory and deployable quantum systems.

Wavelength stability

The 780 NX maintains wavelength stability of ± 0.2 pm over tens of hours of continuous operation. This spectral stability minimises frequency drift from the rubidium D₂ transition, improving lock robustness and reducing calibration error in atomic clocks, quantum gravimeters, and magnetometers designed for extended or autonomous operation.

Mechanical and thermal robustness

The Skylark NX monolithic DPSS cavity architecture is inherently resistant to vibration and temperature drift. This rigidity prevents mode hops and suppresses slow frequency drift, ensuring reliable locks to the rubidium D₂ transition. The result is stable operation for deployable quantum sensors and optical clock systems, mitigating the need for constant realignment or environmental isolation.

“Power and frequency remain sufficiently stable over multiple days. This allows for long acquisitions without the impact of drift affecting the experiment.”

QUANTUM LAB

"The Skylark 780 DPSS laser is very stable, we never lose the Rubidium frequency."

MICROSCOPE SYSTEM MANUFACTURER

“The Skylark 780 laser has very low ASE noise compared to our previous system; even without any additional ASE suppression measures like gratings and gas cells.”

BRILLOUIN MICROSCOPY RESEARCHER

FAQS

DPSS lasers vs ECDL vs Ti:Sapphire lasers for Rb quantum applications

When are ECDLs better than DPSS lasers for quantum applications?
External-cavity diode lasers (ECDLs) are often preferred when broad wavelength tunability or cost efficiency is more important than long-term frequency stability. They are widely used in research laboratories, where the environment is well controlled and frequent realignment or retuning is acceptable. For exploratory work or systems that require variable detuning over several gigahertz, an ECDL provides the flexibility needed at lower cost, though it may require more active stabilization than a DPSS source.
When are Ti:Sapphire lasers better than the Skylark 780 NX for quantum applications?
Ti:Sapphire lasers still offer the lowest achievable linewidths and widest tunability near 780 nm, which makes them ideal for precision spectroscopy and fundamental research where every hertz of frequency stability matters. They remain the benchmark for laboratory-based atomic physics experiments that prioritize absolute performance over size or complexity. However, their need for active alignment, water cooling, and vibration isolation makes them less practical for field-deployable or long duration quantum sensors, where a compact, self-contained DPSS laser is more suitable.
Which quantum applications benefit most from DPSS lasers?
The Skylark 780 NX occupies the performance gap between diode-based and Ti:Sapphire systems. It delivers single-frequency, narrow-linewidth, low-noise output with excellent beam quality in a compact, alignment-free package. This makes it ideal for rubidium-based quantum sensors, atomic clocks, and field-ready interferometers that demand laboratory-grade stability without the cost, maintenance, or size of Ti:Sapphire lasers. It is particularly well matched to applications where reliability, transportability, and continuous operation are as important as spectral purity.
Do Skylark Lasers produce other wavelengths?
Yes. Skylark Lasers designs and manufactures single-frequency DPSS lasers across multiple wavelengths, including visible and near-infrared bands used in quantum, metrology, and spectroscopy applications. We also collaborate with partners on custom wavelength development to meet emerging needs in quantum sensing and precision measurement. If your project requires a wavelength not currently listed, our engineering team welcomes discussions on collaborative development or OEM integration.

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