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Laser-linewidth measurement with a Fizeau wavemeter.
Optics Letters
|September 12, 2009
Summary
A Fizeau wedge wavemeter can measure laser linewidth, not just wavelength. This method accurately determines linewidths down to a few hundred megahertz for pulsed and continuous wave lasers.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Laser Physics
Background:
- Fizeau wedge wavemeters are standard instruments for laser wavelength measurement.
- Laser linewidth is a critical parameter for laser performance and applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the capability of a Fizeau wedge wavemeter for laser linewidth measurement.
- To demonstrate theoretical and experimental validation of this novel application.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of Fizeau wedge interferometry for linewidth determination.
- Experimental setup utilizing a Fizeau wedge wavemeter to measure linewidths of pulsed and continuous wave (cw) lasers.
Main Results:
- Successful theoretical and experimental demonstration of using a Fizeau wedge wavemeter for laser linewidth measurement.
- Achieved measurement of linewidths as small as a few hundred megahertz.
- Demonstrated that proper selection of wedge thickness is crucial for high-resolution linewidth measurement.
Conclusions:
- Fizeau wedge wavemeters offer a versatile tool for both wavelength and linewidth characterization of lasers.
- This technique provides a sensitive method for evaluating laser spectral purity.
