Ultra-Stable Laser For Use In A Next Generation Atom Interferometer

Authors

Brian Neyenhuis, Brigham Young University
Dr. Dallin Durfee, Brigham Young University

Keywords

ultra-stable laser current controller, atom interferometry, diode laser

College

Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Department

Physics and Astronomy

Abstract

Laser diodes are an attractive option for atomic physics research. They are small, available in a wide variety of wavelengths, inexpensive, and require little power. Because diode lasers are typically made in bulk for the computing or telecom industries where linewidth and mode structure are not generally important, a solitary diode usually has a linewidth on the order of GHz and often runs multi-mode. By placing the diode in an extended cavity the finesse of the laser cavity can be increased, narrowing the linewidth of the laser to a few hundred kHz. For even narrower linewidths a diode laser is typically locked to a high-finesse reference cavity. With this method diode lasers with linewidths as narrow as 30 Hz have been reported.

Recommended Citation

Neyenhuis, Brian and Durfee, Dr. Dallin (2013) "Ultra-Stable Laser For Use In A Next Generation Atom Interferometer," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 2754.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/2754