Effect of material mechanical performance errors on vibration sensitivities of cubic ultrastable optical reference cavities

Ultra-stable optical reference cavities have important applications in many fields. This study investigates the impact of errors in the mechanical properties of materials on the vibration sensitivity of cubic ultra-stable optical reference cavities. The mechanical properties of three critical materials that influence the vibration sensitivity of cubic cavities are analyzed by using the finite element method in detail. The results indicate that Young’s modulus and density do not affect the cut depth required for zero vibration sensitivity of the cubic cavity. However, Poisson’s ratio has a significant effect on this cut depth. Specifically, a higher Young’s modulus results in a smaller slope of vibration sensitivity, while a higher density leads to a larger slope. In contrast, Poisson’s ratio does not influence the vibration sensitivity slope. These findings offer valuable design guidance for the development of cubic ultra-stable optical reference cavities with low vibration sensitivities, particularly for applications involving portable ultra-narrow linewidth lasers.