Optical Science and Engineering ETDs
Publication Date
Summer 7-28-2026
Abstract
Quantum sensors achieve exceptional measurement sensitivity through coherent, well-isolated quantum systems, but practical deployment is hindered by destructive readouts that require repeated state preparation and create long system dead times. Optical cavities enable continuous, nondestructive measurements with minimal back-action, yet integrating high-finesse cavities into scalable quantum devices remains limited by existing fabrication methods. To overcome these constraints, an adaptive CO₂ laser-milling platform was developed. Guided by glass thermodynamics and melt dynamics, this closed-loop system uses in-situ phase-shifting interferometry to sculpt complex fused-silica surfaces with sub-nanometer root-mean-square roughness. The platform was validated by fabricating extended-length fiber Fabry–Pérot cavities and monolithic micro-cavity arrays achieving a finesse of 4745. Furthermore, ultrafast laser inscription was used to create three-dimensional depressed-cladding waveguides in fused silica, confirming optical guiding over an 11.7 mm length. Together, these techniques provide a scalable hardware framework for robust atom–photon interfaces in field-deployable quantum sensors.
Degree Name
Optical Science and Engineering
Level of Degree
Doctoral
Department Name
Optical Science and Engineering
First Committee Member (Chair)
Ganesh Balakrishnan
Second Committee Member
Spencer Olson
Third Committee Member
Francesca Cavallo
Fourth Committee Member
Nathan Jackson
Keywords
Quantum sensing; Optical cavities; Atom–photon interactions; CO₂ laser microfabrication; Adaptive laser milling; Fabry–Pérot resonators; Fused silica; Atom chips; Ultrafast laser inscription; Integrated photonics
Document Type
Dissertation
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Parker, Meagan E.. "Algorithmic Sculpting of Complex Fused Silica Surfaces for Nondestructive, Mode-matched Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics: Adaptive CO2 Milling and Simulation-Guided Ultrafast Inscription, from Fiber Fabry-Perot Cavities to Monolithic Architectures." (2026). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/ose_etds/116
Included in
Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics Commons, Optics Commons, Other Engineering Commons, Quantum Physics Commons
Comments
I was told this would have an embargo and would not be released to the public until it was removed.
Update from when I first submitted this. The PR number was received and no embargo is needed. The PR number is AFRL-2026-3364