A crossed optical cavities apparatus for a precision test of the isotropy of light propagation

A novel apparatus for a sensitive test of the independence of the speed of optical waves from the propagation direction has been developed. It employs a monolithic ULE glass structure containing two orthogonal, crossing Fabry-Perot cavities which enable common mode rejection of certain disturbances. Highly accurate locking and cavity frequency read-out are achieved using laser frequency modulation at audio frequencies. Several systematic effects were characterized. Without rotation the root Allan variance (RAV) of the beat frequency reaches a minimum of 0.5 Hz (2 × 10⁻¹⁵) close to the thermal noise floor of the cavities. The performance of the apparatus under rotation is demonstrated by determining with improved accuracy one parameter of the standard model extension test theory,  = (−1.0 ± 2.3) × 10⁻¹⁵, under simplifying assumptions.