LASER MATERIAL (SPECTROSCOPY).
Abstract
A new method has been proposed and analyzed for measuring the short-term frequency and phase fluctuations of a laser oscillator, by heterodyning one laser with two other similar lasers and correlating the outputs from two i-f discriminators. Experimental measurements of laser frequency fluctuations and spectral characteristics are now in progress by heterodyning two lasers, as a preliminary to implementing the proposed three-laser method. Two stable He-Ne 6328A lasers located in an isolated vault are presently being heterodyned together in order to test the various components and techniques needed for the three-laser measurement. The lasers and the photodetection, frequency discrimination, and AFC circuitry have all been assembled and are operating very satisfactorily, while the remaining signal processing circuitry is being developed. Preliminary measurements of the FM spectra and the mechanical resonances of the lasers have been made, and these measurements are continuing. External-mirror operation of a Nd:YAW cw laser has also been achieved. Further spectral analyses and other studies of this type of laser will now proceed, using a scanning Fabry-Perot interferometer as well as heterodyne methods. Various analyses of the threshold and other properties of this type of laser are also in progress. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0800395
Entities
People
- A. E. Siegman
Organizations
- Stanford University