Metrology under Control

Mode-locked femtosecond lasers enable ultra precise measurements based on fundamental constants. Although in terms of pulse properties the performance of the state-of-the-art Ti:sapphire lasers are yet superior to alternative ultrafast laser technologies, it is the fiber laser technology that facilitates the development of breakthrough applications outside the laboratory environment. Reliability and robustness of fiber lasers are attractive features for industry, while the unique SWaP factor (size, weight and power) designates the fiber-based optical frequency combs a promising enabling technology even for space science.