Micro-integrated diode laser modules enabling mode-hop-free tuning and long-term frequency stabilization

Area of Science:

• Quantum Technology
• Laser Physics
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• Quantum technologies require highly stable and tunable laser sources.
• Existing laser modules often lack the required compactness and stability for field applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a robust and compact hybrid micro-integrated laser module for quantum technology applications.
• To demonstrate a wide mode-hop-free frequency tuning range and improved frequency stability.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of a hybrid micro-integrated external cavity diode laser-master oscillator power amplifier (ECDL-MOPA) laser module operating at 767 nm.
• Implementation of a control loop utilizing spectroscopy of a frequency-selective element for mode-hop-free tuning.
• Stabilization of the laser frequency to an internal volume holographic Bragg grating.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 22 GHz mode-hop-free frequency tuning range, extendable beyond 100 GHz.
• Demonstrated a technical linewidth of ~165 kHz at 1 ms and a minimum overlapping Allan deviation of 6e-10 at 6s.
• Reduced frequency drift by an order of magnitude, achieving a stability of 7e-9 at 10^5s.

Conclusions:

• The developed ECDL-MOPA laser module is a robust and compact solution for quantum technology applications.
• The demonstrated tuning range and frequency stability meet critical requirements for advanced quantum systems.
• Hybrid micro-integration offers a promising path towards miniaturized and high-performance laser sources.