Method and apparatus for locking and scanning the output frequency from a laser cavity

摘要

A system and method that can be employed to lock and scan the output of a laser cavity (2) is described. The system and method involves the use of a signal generator for generating an error signal between an output of the laser cavity (28) and the transmission (28) of the laser through a tunable external reference cavity (3). A dual piezo-actuated mirror (6b) permits processing of the error signal (26) with separate signal processing circuits (29a, 29b) used to provide an electrical feedback signal to the two piezo-electric crystals (22, 23b). When incorporated within a laser cavity the described system and methodology can be used to lock and scan the output of the laser cavity while providing the laser output with a reduced linewidth.

主权项

1. A locking and scanning apparatus for a laser cavity the apparatus comprising an external reference cavity and a locking and scanning circuit electrically connected to a dual piezo-actuated mirror of the laser cavity wherein the circuit comprises:
a signal generator for generating an error signal between an output from the laser cavity and an output from the external reference cavity and splitting the error signal into a first and second component; a first signal processing circuit for processing the first component of the error signal to provide a feedback signal for a first piezoelectric crystal of the dual piezo-actuated mirror; and a second signal processing circuit for processing the second component of the error signal to provide a feedback signal for a second piezoelectric crystal of the dual piezo-actuated mirror.