Absolute and relative stability of an optical frequency reference based on spectral hole burning in Eu$^{3+}$:Y$_2$SiO$_5$

We present and analyze four frequency measurements designed to characterize the performance of an optical frequency reference based on spectral hole burning in \EuYSO. The first frequency comparison, between a single unperturbed spectral hole and a hydrogen maser, demonstrates a fractional frequency drift rate of $5 \times 10^{-18}$ s$^{-1}$. Optical-frequency comparisons between a pattern of spectral holes, a Fabry-Pérot cavity, and an Al$^+$ optical atomic clock show a short-term fractional frequency stability of $1 \times10^{-15} τ^{-1/2}$ that averages down to $2.5^{+1.1}_{-0.5} \times 10^{-16}$ at $τ= 540~s$ (with linear frequency drift removed). Finally, spectral hole patterns in two different \EuYSO crystals located in the same cryogenic vessel are compared, yielding a short-term stability of $7 \times10^{-16} τ^{-1/2}$ that averages down to $5.5^{+1.8}_{-0.9} \times 10^{-17}$ at $τ= 204$~s (with quadratic frequency drift removed).

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