Laser wavelength measurement with a Fourier transform wavemeter

Area of Science:

• Optical Physics
• Laser Spectroscopy
• Metrology

Background:

• Accurate characterization of laser properties is crucial for scientific and technological applications.
• Fourier transform wavemeters offer a powerful approach for spectral analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance of a Fourier transform wavemeter.
• To investigate the spectral characteristics of diverse continuous-wave (cw) lasers.
• To assess the wavemeter's suitability for multimode laser analysis and stability determination.

Main Methods:

• Spectral measurements were conducted in the optical and near-infrared regions.
• A Fourier transform wavemeter was employed for data acquisition.
• Various cw lasers were tested, including diode, dye, and He-Ne lasers at different wavelengths.

Main Results:

• The wavemeter demonstrated effectiveness in analyzing multimode lasers and determining long-term frequency stability.
• It successfully detected very low power laser modes and assessed single-mode purity.
• High precision was achieved, with line position uncertainty <10(-8) for specific He-Ne lasers.

Conclusions:

• The Fourier transform wavemeter is a versatile and accurate tool for comprehensive laser characterization.
• Its capabilities extend to analyzing complex laser outputs and ensuring spectral purity.
• The instrument is well-suited for high-precision metrology applications.