Kerr-lens mode-locked lasers as ultra-low noise microwave sources

We propose a novel application of Kerr-lens mode-locked (KLM) lasers: ultra-low-noise frequency conversion from the optical to the microwave region. Using self-heterodyning techniques we show that the quantum-limited pulse timing noise level of these lasers can be substantially smaller than the noise floor generated by state-of-the-art microwave oscillators. Thus, after conversion of the output pulse train of these lasers into a microwave signal, it may be used as an interrogation signal for modern microwave frequency standards like Cs-fountain clocks, thus improving the frequency noise performance of these devices.