Auto-locking waveguide amplifier system for lidar and magnetometric applications

Laser Technology for Defense and Security XIV

Carew

et al. 2018

Self Cite

We have developed a versatile pulsed laser system for high precision magnetometry. The operating wavelength of the system can be configured to optically pump alkali vapors such as rubidium and cesium. The laser system consists of an auto-locked, interference filter stabilized, external cavity diode laser (ECDL), a tapered waveguide amplifier, and a pulsing module. The auto-locking controller can be used by an untrained operator to stabilize the laser frequency with respect to a library of atomic, molecular, and solid-state spectral markers. The ECDL output can be amplified from 20 mW to 2 W in continuous wave (CW) mode. The pulsing module, which includes an acousto-optic modulator (AOM), can generate pulses with durations of 20 ns and repetition rates of several MHz. Accordingly, the laser system is well suited for applications such as gravimetry, magnetometry, and differential-absorption lidar. In this work, we focus on magnetometric applications and demonstrate that the laser source is suitable for optically pumping rubidium vapor. We also describe numerical simulations of optical pumping relevant to the rubidium D1 and D2 transitions at 795 nm and 780 nm respectively. These studies are relevant to the design and construction of a new generation of portable, rubidium, spinexchange relaxation-free (SERF) magnetometers, capable of sensitivities of 1 fT Hz -1/2 1 .

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigations of optical pumping for magnetometry using an auto-locking laser system

Pouliot¹,

Laser Technology for Defense and Security XIV

Carew

et al. 2018

Self Cite

“…The individual experiments described here have served as effective platforms to guide upper-level students in design concepts and research topics related to ECDLs [3,62,63], tapered amplifiers [61,65], Faraday isolators [58], electro-optic modulators [57], and analog circuits for laser frequency stabilization [55]. Other examples of developing relevant instrumentation such as Fabry-Pérot interferometers are described in Reference [81].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These lasers can be hermetically sealed and pumped down to very low pressures, enabling more stable locking techniques [62,63]. They are suitably stable for measurements of gravitational acceleration using a falling corner cube gravimeter (Scintrex FG5X) [64] and are also easily integrated into the MOPA system for experiments which require greater optical power [65]. The number of atoms that can be loaded into a vapor cell MOT with a laser beam diameter d is known to scale as d x , where x is typically larger than 3 [66].…”

Section: Course Formatmentioning

confidence: 99%

Laboratory Courses on Laser Spectroscopy and Atom Trapping

Winter

Mok

et al. 2020

Atoms

Self Cite

We present an overview of experiments covered in two semester-length laboratory courses dedicated to laser spectroscopy and atom trapping. These courses constitute a powerful approach for teaching experimental physics in a manner that is both contemporary and capable of providing the background and skills relevant to a variety of research laboratories. The courses are designed to be accessible for all undergraduate streams in physics and applied physics as well as incoming graduate students. In the introductory course, students carry out several experiments in atomic and laser physics. In a follow up course, students trap atoms in a magneto-optical trap and carry out preliminary investigations of the properties of laser cooled atoms based on the expertise acquired in the first course. We discuss details of experiments, impact, possible course formats, budgetary requirements, and challenges related to long-term maintenance.

“…The density of a desired aerosol can be determined by comparing the intensity of laser backscatter to a reference signal at an off-line wavelength that is not absorbed. A pulsed laser system that can operate at both wavelengths can be realized by integrating the autolocked diode laser with a semiconductor tapered amplifier waveguide 40 for power amplification and an acousto-optic switch to realize a pulsing module with repetition rates of up to 1 MHz. 41 Unlike traditional DIAL-type LIDAR transmitters that rely on a pulsed YAG or diode laser and a separate laser-based measurement of the off-line signal, we anticipate using a single autolocked master oscillator that can be locked and tuned to multiple frequencies with respect to atomic or molecular spectral lines as well as their corresponding off-line points.…”

Section: B Applications To Metrologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization and applications of auto-locked vacuum-sealed diode lasers for precision metrology

Review of Scientific Instruments

Pouliot

Carew

et al. 2019