An auto-locked diode laser system for precision metrology

H. C. Beica; A. Carew; A. Vorozcovs; P. Dowling; A. Pouliot; G. Singh; A. Kumarakrishnan

doi:10.1117/12.2250653

24 February 2017 An auto-locked diode laser system for precision metrology

H. C. Beica, A. Carew, A. Vorozcovs, P. Dowling, A. Pouliot, G. Singh, A. Kumarakrishnan

Proceedings Volume 10086, High-Power Diode Laser Technology XV; 100860W (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2250653
Event: SPIE LASE, 2017, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

We describe a diode laser system for precision metrology that relies on adaptations of a well-known design based on optical feedback from an interference filter. The laser head operates with an interchangeable base-plate, which allows for single-mode performance at distinct wavelengths of 633 nm and 780 nm. Frequency drifts are effectively suppressed by using a vacuum-sealed laser head, thereby allowing the laser frequency to be stabilized on time-scales of several hours. Using a digital auto-lock controller, we show that the laser frequency can be stabilized with respect to selected iodine and rubidium spectral lines. The controller can be programmed to use a pattern-matching algorithm or generate first- and third-derivative error signals for peak locking. Beat note characterization has demonstrated a short-term linewidth of ~2 MHz and an Allan deviation of 3.5 × 10^-9 for a measurement time τ = 500 s. The laser characteristics have also enabled high-precision gravity measurements with accuracies of a few parts-per-billion (ppb).

Citation Download Citation

H. C. Beica, A. Carew, A. Vorozcovs, P. Dowling, A. Pouliot, G. Singh, and A. Kumarakrishnan "An auto-locked diode laser system for precision metrology", Proc. SPIE 10086, High-Power Diode Laser Technology XV, 100860W (24 February 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2250653

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