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Estimation of the minimum laser linewidth achievable with a grazing-grating configuration
Optics Letters
|September 1, 2009
Summary
Beam divergence limits laser linewidth. A double-grating setup achieves spectral narrowing and tuning, resulting in a narrow linewidth of approximately 0.01 Å for a discharge-pumped XeF laser.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Laser Physics
Background:
- Beam divergence is a critical factor affecting laser performance.
- Second-order grating dispersion terms are important in spectral control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of beam divergence on grating dispersion.
- To achieve spectral narrowing and tuning in a laser system.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of second-order grating dispersion terms.
- Implementation of a double-grating configuration.
- Experimental setup using a discharge-pumped XeF laser.
Main Results:
- Beam divergence in the plane normal to incidence limits achievable linewidth.
- A double-grating configuration successfully narrowed and tuned the laser spectrum.
- Achieved a laser linewidth of approximately 0.01 Å.
Conclusions:
- Beam divergence significantly impacts spectral characteristics of lasers.
- Double-grating systems offer effective spectral control for lasers.
- The XeF laser system demonstrated high spectral resolution.
