Coherent light generators – Particular beam control device – Optical output stabilization
Patent
1999-03-09
2000-03-07
Scott, Jr., Leon
Coherent light generators
Particular beam control device
Optical output stabilization
372 20, 372 28, 372 31, 372 38, H01S 313
Patent
active
06034976&
ABSTRACT:
A method and apparatus for laser frequency stabilization and precise laser frequency tuning comprises splitting a laser beam into two beam portions and recombining the two portions after they traverse differing optical distances. The thus-processed combined beam exhibits a time variation in intensity, the time variation being a function of the time rate of change of the laser beam. A signal proportional to the laser frequency's time rate of change is derived from the time variation of the processed beam's intensity and used to generate a control signal to provide feedback to control the laser frequency, thereby providing for laser frequency stabilization. Precise laser frequency tuning may be achieved by introducing a controlled variation in the derived signal, such as by adjusting a frequency differential introduced between the beam portions, or by otherwise introducing a controlled variation in the signal derived from the processed beam. The timescale over which laser frequency stabilization is achieved may be increased or decreased, and the bandwidth of the stabilization capability increased, by use of one or more additional processed and combined beams having time delays, between the portions to be combined, different from the corresponding time delay in the first processed beam and from each other.
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Boggs Bryan
Greiner Christoph
Mossberg Thomas W.
Jr. Leon Scott
State of Oregon Acting By and Through the State Board of Higher
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