Wavelength Detection from Filtered Photodiodes

Authors

Nils Otterstrom, Brigham Young University
Dallin Durfee, Brigham Young University

Keywords

wavelength detection, filtered photodiodes, optical frequencies

College

Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Department

Physics and Astronomy

Abstract

Introduction Physics laboratories all over the world depend on accurate wavelength meters to tune their lasers to desired optical frequencies. Our ion interferometry lab, for example, relies heavily on the precision of these instruments to laser cool beams of strontium ions and then split and recombine their wave functions. Unfortunately, some these devices can be extremely expensive and very cumbersome to use. A frequency comb wavelength detector, although remarkably accurate, can cost around $100,000 dollars. In our lab we employ a Michelson-Morley interferometer based wavelength meter, which costs around $8,000 dollars. Despite its relatively high accuracy, the device is extremely fragile.

Recommended Citation

Otterstrom, Nils and Durfee, Dallin (2015) "Wavelength Detection from Filtered Photodiodes," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2015: Iss. 1, Article 212.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2015/iss1/212