Use of seeded Nd:YAG lasers for high-resolution spectroscopy

Area of Science:

• Laser physics and spectroscopy
• Quantum optics
• Molecular physics

Background:

• Precise frequency control is crucial for high-resolution spectroscopy.
• Nd:YAG lasers are versatile tools in scientific research.
• Iodine absorption provides a stable frequency reference.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the frequency tuning and stabilization of a novel long-pulse seeded Nd:YAG laser.
• To evaluate the laser's linewidth and spectral characteristics.
• To demonstrate its application in coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS).

Main Methods:

• Frequency stabilization by locking to an iodine absorption line.
• Doppler-free experiments to measure laser linewidth.
• Utilizing the laser as a pump and probe in CARS.

Main Results:

• Laser frequency stabilized to +/-8 MHz.
• Laser linewidth measured in agreement with the Fourier transform limit (10 MHz).
• Determined molecular hyperfine frequencies for three I(2) absorption lines.
• Achieved instrumental resolution of 43 +/- 15 MHz in CARS.

Conclusions:

• The novel Nd:YAG laser system offers high frequency stability and narrow linewidth.
• The laser is suitable for high-resolution molecular spectroscopy, including CARS.
• Demonstrated precise determination of molecular parameters using iodine stabilization.