KECK INSTITUTE FOR SPACE STUDIES

       

Optical Frequency Combs for Space Applications

Workshop Image Gallery

The KISS images below are public domain, but must be accompanied by the appropriate image credit.

Figure 1. Space-Time Observatory and Global Satellite Navigation Systems concept.

Image credit: Keck Institute for Space Studies / Chuck Carter.

Figure 2. Comb-enabled High Angular Resolution Imaging (CHARLI) concept.

Image credit: Keck Institute for Space Studies / Chuck Carter.

Figure 3. Atmospheric spectroscopy applications.

Image credit: Keck Institute for Space Studies / Chuck Carter.

Figure 4. Optical frequency combs function as a clockwork between the radio and optical frequency domains; they can both upconvert radio frequencies into a multitude of uniformly spaced, phase coherent optical frequencies, or equivalently, divide an optical frequency down to a radio frequency where it can be processed with high speed electronics. A frequency comb can be referenced to an optical atomic transition, thereby providing the ticks of an extremely precise clock.

Image credit: Keck Institute for Space Studies / Chuck Carter.

Figure 5. Extreme Precision Radial Velocity concept.

Image credit: Keck Institute for Space Studies / Chuck Carter.


Study Final Report:

Leifer, Stephanie and Diddams, Scott A. and Vahala, Kerry and Yu, Nan (2018). Optical Frequency Combs for Space Applications. Pasadena, CA. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20180829-101129677 (PDF).