Laser offset stabilization with chip-scale atomic diffractive elements

Offset stabilization of a laser's frequency relative to an atomic transition is crucial for many quantum technologies, but equipment for it is often bulky or dependent on magnetic fields, limiting integration into compact systems. Exploiting the interference properties of atoms geometrically confined within diffractive optical elements, this study presents a chip-scale, hybrid atomic-photonic approach that enables multiple stabilization points with submegahertz precision over a bandwidth of tens of gigahertz. This miniaturization, with no need for magnetic fields, points to the next generation of compact laser-stabilization devices for quantum applications and precision spectroscopy.