Frequency instability of a multipurpose optically pumped submillimeter laser
Abstract
The frequency instability of an optically pumped submillimeter laser developed for widespread application in spectroscopic and diagnostic studies is determined. The laser is a compact, portable source of electromagnetic radiation at discrete wavelengths from tens of microns to several millimeters, contained within a rigid frame serving to stabilize the lengths of the submillimeter and infrared resonators. Measurements of the beat frequencies of 393.6-micron radiation from two identical lasers as a function of time indicate an average frequency drift rate of 850 Hz/sec. In addition, the short-term frequency instability of a single laser averaged over time scales from 0.001 to 10 sec is estimated at 7 + or - 3 x 10 to the -9th. It is noted that the frequency instability coefficient may be improved by an order of magnitude by the improvement of mechanical, acoustical and thermal isolation, and the active stabilization of the length of the pump laser resonator.
- Publication:
-
Radiotekhnika i Elektronika
- Pub Date:
- May 1982
- Bibcode:
- 1982RaEl...27.1045B
- Keywords:
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- Carbon Dioxide Lasers;
- Frequency Stability;
- Infrared Lasers;
- Laser Stability;
- Beat Frequencies;
- Optical Pumping;
- Temporal Distribution;
- Lasers and Masers