PROPOSAL OF A FREQUENCY-SYNTHESIS CHAIN BETWEEN THE MICROWAVE AND OPTICAL FREQUENCIES OF THE CA INTERCOMBINATION LINE AT 657-NM USING DIODE-LASERS

We propose a frequency synthesis chain which can directly connect a mi crowave atomic clock with a visible laser. We design this chain for th e frequency measurement of a visible laser locked on the intercombinat ion transition of Ca at 657 nm. The proposed chain is based on both an optical difference frequency divider and an optical frequency comb ge nerator, and it is designed to use nine visible and near-infrared diod e lasers. We discuss the technical requirements to realize the frequen cy measurement accuracy level of 10(-14).