Precision Photonics Corp. of Boulder, Colo., plans to develop high-speed optical frequency metrology for spectroscopy, interferometry and optical communications under a two-year, $2 million award from the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Advanced Technology Program. The funding will be used to initiate the commercial application of frequency measurements in the optical spectrum.

The company intends to fabricate a compact femtosecond laser as a "ruler" for the rapid measurement of optical frequencies. The tool, which is expected to achieve parts-per-billion precision in microseconds, could enable more precise robotic stage control in semiconductor manufacturing, rapid detection and identification of trace chemicals in a hospital patient's breath, and coherent optical communications.