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Construction and Characterization of External Cavity Diode Lasers for Atomic Physics
Published on: April 24, 2014
External-cavity wavelength tunable laser with an electro-optic deflector.
Pin Wang1, Leong Keey Seah, Vadakke Matham Murukeshan
1School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Applied Optics
|November 23, 2006
Summary
This study demonstrates a near-infrared tunable laser using an electro-optic deflector and grating. This device achieves a 12 nm tuning range and over 30 dB side-mode suppression.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Laser Technology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Tunable lasers are crucial for various applications, including spectroscopy and optical communications.
- Existing tunable laser technologies often face limitations in tuning range, speed, or complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel near-infrared (near-IR) tunable external-cavity laser.
- To utilize an electro-optic deflector as a key component for wavelength tuning.
Main Methods:
- An external-cavity laser design incorporating a reflection grating and an electro-optic deflector was implemented.
- The electro-optic deflector, a nonpixelated nematic liquid-crystal device, was electronically controlled via applied voltage.
- Wavelength tuning was achieved by manipulating the deflector's voltage, influencing the laser's spectral output.
Main Results:
- A tuning range of 12 nm in the near-IR spectrum was successfully achieved.
- Side-mode suppression exceeding 30 dB was obtained, indicating a clean and stable laser output.
- The electronically reconfigurable nature of the liquid-crystal deflector enabled dynamic wavelength control.
Conclusions:
- The developed near-IR tunable laser offers a promising solution for applications requiring precise and agile wavelength selection.
- The use of an electro-optic deflector provides an effective and electronically controlled method for laser tuning.
- This technology has potential for advancements in optical sensing, telecommunications, and spectroscopy.
