2008/06/23 by H. J. Kimble, Benjamin L. Lev, Benjamin Lev +1
Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Advanced Fiber Laser Technologies #Advanced Frequency and Time Standards #Advanced Measurement and Metrology Techniques #physics.optics #quant-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.1103/physrevlett.101.260602
5 pages, 3 figures
arxiv created 2008/06/23 · openalex publication_date 2008/12/30 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
A fundamental limit to the sensitivity of optical interferometry is thermal noise that drives fluctuations in the positions of the surfaces of the interferometer's mirrors, and thereby in the phase of the intracavity field. Schemes for reducing this thermally driven phase noise are presented that rely upon the coherent character of the underlying displacements and strains. Although the position of the physical surface fluctuates, the optical phase upon reflection can have reduced sensitivity to this motion. While practical implementation of such schemes for coherent compensation face certain challenges, we hope to stimulate further work on this important thermal noise problem.