Frequency stabilization of the 1064-nm Nd:YAG lasers to Doppler-broadened lines of iodine

Abstract

A diode-laser-pumped Nd:YAG laser is frequency stabilized by locking its frequency-doubled output to the center of unsaturated (Doppler-broadened) transitions of the (127)I(2) molecule. The successive two-sample deviation of the laser frequency (root Allan variance) is kept below 5.67 kHz, or 2 parts in 10(11) of the laser frequency, for averaging times between 10 ms and 40 s. This locking technique is simpler and requires less laser power than locking to Doppler-free lines.

Airborne High Spectral Resolution Lidar for profiling aerosol optical properties

“…The seed laser frequency is controlled by a highspeed, autonomous electro-optic control loop that is based on a phase modulation technique [32][33][34]. Figure 6 shows a basic block diagram of the seed laser and the elements of the frequency control loop.…”

All-reflective Michelson, Sagnac, and Fabry–Perot interferometers based on grating beam splitters

“…Frequency stability of this order has been demonstrated for an I 2 -stabilized Nd : YAG laser, where longterm stability of 1:10 13 or ϳ30 Hz is possible. 11 Second, metal gratings cannot handle a laser beam of an average power of kilowatts. However, gratings that are etched on the top of multilayer dielectric coatings 12 have lower loss, higher damage threshold, and more precisely controllable diffraction characteristics than traditional metal gratings and are expected to fulfill the requirements of interferometers in gravitational-wave detection.…”

Automatic laser frequency stabilization to iodine absorption line

“…Atomic spectroscopic techniques, such as Doppler-free spectroscopy and wavelength modulation, are used to stabilize the frequency of a single-frequency laser in direct detection wind lidar (DDWL), differential absorption lidar, and atomic physics [1]. Absolute long-term frequency stabilization may be obtained by locking the laser frequency to an atomic or molecular absorption line [2][3][4][5][6][7]. The Nd:YAG laser has also been stabilized with a Fabry-Perot cavity [8].…”

“…The Nd:YAG laser has also been stabilized with a Fabry-Perot cavity [8]. However, the techniques mentioned above [2][3][4]8] require an internal or external frequency actuator, such as piezo, EOM, and AOM, to lock the laser to the set point. Doppler-free spectroscopy is somewhat complicated, involving more optics for alignment and frequency doubling [7].…”