Diode lasers for fast-beam laser experiments

摘要

This paper describes the diode laser system we use for our fast-beam laser experiments. The air-tight housing, temperature controller, and current controller are described in detail. Data are given for the temperature stability and current noise of the system. A contour map shows the dependence of laser wavelength on temperature and injection current, from which laser frequency scan rates are determined. Fluorescence and absorption spectra of the ~(133)Cs 6s~(2)S_(1/2)→6P~(2)P_(1/2) and 6p~(2)P_(3/2) resonances are shown for a fast beam, a thermal beam, and a room temperature cell, demonstrating the laser tuning capabilities and spectral width. A radio-frequency sideband technique with a Cs absorption cell is used to demonstrate robust absolute laser frequency stabilization suitable for fast beam applications.