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A simple scheme for precise relative frequency stabilization of lasers

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Abstract

We present a simple scheme for tuneable relative frequency stabilization of lasers. A highly sensitive and accurate frequency-to-voltage converter is used to derive an error signal from the beat note between two lasers. We analyze in detail detector noise and drift, modulation detection bandwidth, and cross-talk from power modulation. The results indicate that sub-kHz relative linewidth and a locking point drift on the order of 100 Hz for times scales of 1 h are achievable. The scheme can, therefore, be applied to situations where up to now only optical PLLs could provide sufficient accuracy and precision. To demonstrate its potential for high-resolution, high-precision spectroscopy we lock a diode laser to a fs-frequency comb and find a relative linear drift of 314 Hz during a 2.8 h period.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Experimentalphysik, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany

    N. Strauß, I. Ernsting, S. Schiller & A. Wicht

  2. Institut für Gravitationsphysik, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Callinstr. 38, 30167, Hannover, Germany

    P. Huke & R.-H. Rinkleff

Authors
  1. N. Strauß
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  2. I. Ernsting
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  3. S. Schiller
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  4. A. Wicht
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  5. P. Huke
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  6. R.-H. Rinkleff
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to A. Wicht.

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PACS

42.62.Fi; 42.62.Eh

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Strauß, N., Ernsting, I., Schiller, S. et al. A simple scheme for precise relative frequency stabilization of lasers. Appl. Phys. B 88, 21–28 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-007-2668-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-007-2668-9

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