Micro-integrated ECDLs for precision spectroscopy in space

Published in:
Int. Conf. on Space Optical Systems and Applications (ICSOS 2011), Santa Monica, USA, May 11-13, pp. 383-385 (2011).
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Abstract:
We present a micro-integrated, high power, narrow linewidth extended cavity diode laser (ECDL) for precision quantum optics experiments at 780 nm onboard a sounding rocket. Although micro-integrated ECDL is based on a Littrow configuration, it features an excellent mechanical stability because any moveable parts were omitted. It provides an overall tuneability of 40 GHz and a continuous tuneability of 4 GHz. We have demonstrated a maximum output power of more than 120 mW, an intrinsic linewidth of approximately 3.6 kHz full-width-at- half-maximum (FWHM) at an output power of 62 mW and less than 50 kHz FWHM short term (10 µs) linewidth including technical noise. An upgraded version will provide an overall tuneability of 100 GHz and continous tuneability in excess of 20 GHz.

Keywords:
extended cavidy diode laser; volume holographic Bragg grating; linewidth; self-delayed heterodyne linewidth measurement; semiconductor lasers.

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