Continuously and widely tunable frequency-stabilized laser based on an optical frequency comb.

Area of Science:

• Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics
• Laser Spectroscopy
• Optical Metrology

Background:

• Continuously tunable lasers stabilized to a frequency reference are crucial for AMO physics.
• Existing laser stabilization methods often lack broad tunability or speed.
• Optical frequency combs (OFCs) offer a broadband spectrum suitable for precise frequency referencing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a frequency-stabilized and precisely tunable laser system utilizing an OFC.
• To overcome the limitations of ambiguity zones in laser frequency stabilization.
• To achieve wide and continuous tuning of a laser frequency.

Main Methods:

• Locking a laser to an OFC as a frequency reference.
• Inducing controlled frequency jumps over ambiguity zones.
• Employing a synchronized acousto-optic modulator to compensate for frequency gaps.
• Applying the scheme to an external cavity diode laser (ECDL).

Main Results:

• Achieved laser frequency tuning at a rate of approximately 7 GHz/s using commercial electronics.
• Demonstrated tuning speeds exceeding 100 GHz/s by utilizing diode current feedback.
• Ensured frequency continuity during tuning by compensating for jump gaps.

Conclusions:

• The developed laser system offers a resource-efficient and simple method for frequency stabilization and wide tuning.
• The scheme provides a valuable tool for AMO experiments requiring precise and rapid laser frequency control.
• This approach broadens the applicability of OFC-based laser stabilization in scientific research.