A single-frequency, diode-pumped Nd:YLF laser at 657 nm: a frequency and intensity noise comparison with an extended cavity diode laser

Author(s)

Nunez Portela, M. ^[1] ; Wetter, N. U. ^[2] ; Zondy, J. J. ^[3] ; Cruz, F. C. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Campinas State Univ UNICAMP, Gleb Wataghin Phys Inst, BR-13083859 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] CNEN, Lasers & Applicat Ctr, IPEN SP, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Inst Natl Metrol LNE CNAM, F-75015 Paris - France

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Laser Physics; v. 23, n. 2 FEB 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

We report on a continuous wave, diode-pumped, intracavity frequency-doubled Nd:YLF (yttrium lithium fluoride) single-frequency ring laser designed for high-resolution spectroscopy of the calcium intercombination transition at 657 nm. We measured its frequency modulation (FM) and amplitude modulation (AM) noise and compared it with an extended cavity diode laser (ECDL). The Nd: YLF laser has much lower FM noise, extending to 50 kHz in comparison with 5 MHz for the ECDL, and slightly higher AM noise, transferred from the pump diode laser. This characterization is important for the design of servo-systems for frequency or intensity stabilization, and also for quantum optics experiments. A Nd: YLF laser at 657 nm can become an attractive high-power `local oscillator' for a calcium optical clock, with a fundamental `telecom wavelength' that can be directly used for remote transfer in optical fibers. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 06/53713-0 - Development of powerful lasers and precision spectroscopy in imprisoned ultra-cool atoms
• Grantee: Daniel Pereira
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 05/51689-2 - Optics and Photonics Research Center at UNICAMP
• Grantee: Hugo Luis Fragnito
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC