Low-frequency 129Xe nuclear spin oscillator with optical spin detection

We have constructed a 129Xe nuclear spin oscillator which executes a self-sustained oscillation through an external feedback loop with optical detection of nuclear spin. The oscillator is capable of operating at frequencies much lower than the conventional nuclear spin maser. A method for efficient optical detection of spin has been developed and applied to the nuclear spin oscillator, and the frequency characteristics of the oscillator at low frequencies has been investigated. The spin oscillator was operated at frequencies 2.5–36 Hz. The frequency performance of the oscillator is discussed in relation to a planned search for an atomic electric dipole moment taking advantage of the present oscillator scheme.

► A low-frequency nuclear spin oscillator by optical spin detection was developed.
► The frequency performance of the oscillator was investigated.
► A frequency precision of 9.3 nHz was achieved in a 30,000 s duration.
► We expect this scheme can be applied to a search for EDM.