Performance of planar-waveguide external cavity laser for precision measurements

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Technology
• Metrology

Background:

• External cavity lasers are crucial for precision measurement applications.
• Existing technologies like non-planar ring oscillators (NPROs) and fiber lasers have limitations in noise or cost.
• The development of compact and cost-effective laser sources with low noise is an ongoing research area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the noise performance of a 1542-nm planar-waveguide external cavity laser (PW-ECL).
• To assess the suitability of the PW-ECL for precision measurement applications.
• To demonstrate the frequency controllability and stability of the PW-ECL.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of frequency noise and intensity noise across a frequency range of 0.1 mHz to 100 kHz.
• Comparison of noise performance against non-planar ring oscillators (NPROs) and fiber lasers.
• Frequency stabilization of the PW-ECL to acetylene ((13)C(2)H(2)) and measurement of Allan deviation.

Main Results:

• The PW-ECL exhibited frequency and intensity noise levels comparable to or better than NPROs and fiber lasers.
• Frequency stabilization to acetylene achieved an Allan deviation of 10(-13).
• The PW-ECL demonstrated advantages in compactness, low cost, and a simple design.

Conclusions:

• The 1542-nm PW-ECL is a viable and advantageous alternative for precision measurement applications due to its low noise and high stability.
• The laser's compact butterfly package, low cost, and simple design further enhance its practical utility.
• This technology holds promise for advancing various fields requiring high-precision optical measurements.