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Published on: March 30, 2017
Widely tunable laser frequency offset lock with 30 GHz range and 5 THz offset.
J Biesheuvel1, D W E Noom, E J Salumbides
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, LaserLaB VU University, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Optics Express
|June 22, 2013
Summary
We present a new method to extend optical frequency shifting, enabling wide-range, stable laser tuning. This technique allows precise optical frequency measurements and fast spectral recording using radiofrequency electronics.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Optical Engineering
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Acousto-optic modulators (AOMs) are crucial for optical frequency shifting but have limited tuning ranges.
- Stabilizing tunable lasers to external cavities like Fabry-Perot interferometers (FPIs) is essential for precise frequency control.
- Achieving wide-range, mode-hop-free tuning with high absolute frequency stability remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a versatile method for significantly extending the tuning range of optical frequency shifting devices.
- To stabilize a tunable narrow-band continuous-wave (CW) laser to an external FPI with tunable frequency offset.
- To transfer the high absolute frequency stability of a reference laser to a wide tunable range.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a servo loop incorporating an in-loop acousto-optic modulator (AOM) for radiofrequency (RF) tuning.
- Stabilized the CW laser frequency to the transmission maximum of an external FPI.
- Transferred frequency stability from a stabilized helium-neon (HeNe) laser to the tunable laser via FPI length stabilization.
Main Results:
- Achieved a 30 GHz mode-hop-free tuning range for the CW laser.
- Successfully transferred ~1 MHz absolute frequency stability over the entire 30 GHz range.
- Demonstrated rapid, reproducible spectral recording of molecular iodine over a 27 GHz range at 500 MHz/s.
Conclusions:
- The developed method offers simple, wide-range, fast, and reproducible optical frequency tuning.
- Enables absolute optical frequency measurements using readily available RF electronics.
- Provides a robust platform for high-resolution spectroscopy and frequency metrology.
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