Spectral characterisation of tuneable narrow-band diode lasers for Rb atomic spectroscopy and precision instruments

We have characterized teh spectral properties and wavelength tuning behaviour of different types of diode lasers in order to evaluate their potential for applications in atomic spectroscopy and precision instruments. Here we report on studies of recently developed distributed feedback (DFB) and Fabry-Perot laser diodes, emitting around 780 and 795 nm, in solitary operation as well as in an extended-cavity configuration. In solitary operation both types of laser studied show continuous tuning ranges beyond 40 GHz and single-mode emission linewidths around 6 MHz, which makes them interesting candidates for use in high-precision instruments based on atomic spectroscopy such as atomic frequency standards and atomic magnetometers.

, 2005