Watt-class injection-locked diode laser system at 399 nm for atomic physics.

Area of Science:

• Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
• Laser Physics and Photonics

Background:

• High-power, narrow-linewidth lasers are crucial for precision atomic spectroscopy.
• Traditional methods for achieving narrow linewidths at high powers are often complex and expensive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a 399 nm injection-locked laser system capable of high output power.
• To characterize the performance of the injection-locked system, including power, stability, and spectral properties.
• To verify the system's applicability in atomic physics experiments.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a single-mode external-cavity diode laser (seed laser) to injection-lock a high-power, multimode diode laser.
• Implementing active stabilization techniques to maintain the injection lock over extended periods.
• Performing spectroscopy on a ytterbium atomic beam to test the laser system's capabilities.

Main Results:

• Achieved up to 1 W output power at 399 nm with a locked power fraction of 0.57.
• The injection-locked laser inherited the frequency agility and narrow linewidth (3.9 kHz broadening) of the seed laser.
• The injection lock was maintained for over 24 hours with active stabilization.
• Successfully performed spectroscopy on a ytterbium atomic beam, demonstrating the system's utility.

Conclusions:

• The demonstrated injection-locked laser system offers a practical solution for generating high-power, narrow-linewidth light at 399 nm.
• The system's stability, agility, and power output make it a valuable tool for atomic physics research, particularly for ytterbium spectroscopy.
• This approach provides a cost-effective and robust method for advancing precision measurements in atomic science.