Abstract

Today, the precision of laser-based measurements has improved to the point at which the sensitivity is limited by photon shot noise, even when using high light output. Further increasing the light output would improve a quantum noise limited sensitivity, but this approach eventually leads to thermal deformations in the optical path, parametric instabilities in the motion of movable components due to radiation pressure, or demolition of the measurement sample. This problem affects interferometric measurements like gravitational wave detection [1], but also bio-sensing and bio-imaging technology [2]. Higher light output also requires improved laser safety measures.

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