Iodine-stabilized extended cavity diode laser at λ=633 nm

An extended cavity diode laser at 633 nm has been frequency stabilized to I₂-Doppler-free absorption signals of the P(33)6-3 transition using a third-harmonic detection technique. The frequency was measured by the beat-frequency technique with an iodine-stabilized He-Ne laser as reference. A minimum value for the two-probe relative standard uncertainty of 1× 10^-11 (5 kHz) is reached after 100 s. We also report measurements of the hyperfine splittings of the P(33)6-3 transition and laser frequency dependence on modulation amplitude and iodine pressure     

Optical frequency standard at 532 nm

We have constructed a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser source stabilized via modulation transfer spectroscopy to hyperfine absorption peaks in molecular iodine. The system is suitable for use as an optical frequency standard because of the excellent stability (σ<1×10^-13 for τ⩾1 s) and reproducibility (75 Hz per ir laser) observed between two independent dissimilar systems. With heterodyne techniques, we have measured the hyperfine splittings of seven rovibrational transitions in ¹²⁷I₂. A computer fits the data for the hyperfine coupling constants based on a four term Hamiltonian. The residuals from these fits have a standard deviation as low as 520 Hz, displaying the best reported agreement to date with the quadrupolar hyperfine Hamiltonian. Modulation transfer lineshapes have been accurately recorded using rf offset phase-locking techniques with our two systems. Pressure shift (-1.3 kHz/Pa) and broadening (74 kHz/Pa) of the a₁ component of R(56)32-0 have been derived from these lineshape measurements     

Absolute frequency control of a 1560 nm (192 THz) DFB laser lockedto a rubidium absorption line using a second-harmonic-generated signal

We demonstrate second-harmonic generation from a DFB laser at 1560 nm in a type I critically phase-matched KNbO₃ crystal. We obtain 2.2 nW at 780 mm with 11.3 mW at 1560 nm incident on the crystal. The conversion efficiency is 17.2 pW/(mW)². The 780 nm beam is used to interrogate a resonance of the ⁸⁷Rb-D₂ line at 780 nm and lock the laser frequency. To characterize the absolute frequency stability, two 1560 nm DFB lasers are respectively stabilized on a Doppler resonance of the ⁸⁷Rb-D₂ line (780.246 nm) and of the ⁸⁵Rb-D₂ line (780.244 nm). The square root of the Allan variance measured from the beat note is around 1.5×10^-9 for averaging times between 3 and 100 s. To improve the precision of the frequency locking, we realize a setup to observe a saturated absorption profile. We use a 780 nm stabilized laser as a pump and the SHG signal as a probe. A saturated absorption profile is observed over the Doppler envelope. Work is under progress to use this saturated resonance for an improved frequency control     

CO2/OsO4 lasers as frequency standards in the29 THz range

The CO₂ lasers, frequency stabilized on OsO₄ transitions around 29 THz, are successfully used as secondary references for visible frequency synthesis and also for high-accuracy spectroscopy in the infrared domain. The BNM-LPTF CO₂/OsO₄ frequency standards exhibit high metrological performances: a long term reproducibility of ±10 Hz (1σ=2×10^-13) and a stability σ_y=6.6×10^-14/√τ with a Flicker plateau of 4×10^-15 (Δν/ν=0.1) for 300 s to 10³ s averaging times. These results and a preliminary study of the main effects which can induce frequency shifts are reported     

可见光波段稀土激光晶体的研究进展

可见光激光在数据存储、光通讯、激光显示、激光医疗、激光打印以及科学研究等领域具有非常重要的应用价值。随着蓝光LD泵浦源的商用化, 直接泵浦稀土离子掺杂激光晶体实现可见光激光输出吸引了人们极大的研究兴趣。目前, 可见光稀土离子主要集中在Pr ³⁺、Dy ³⁺、Tb ³⁺和Sm ³⁺等。其中, Pr ³⁺的研究较多, 发光波长涵盖面较广, 发射波段覆盖蓝光、绿光、红光、橙光; Dy ³⁺和Tb ³⁺因为能够发射黄光以填补Pr ³⁺的不足也吸引了广泛的研究; 此外, Sm ³⁺和Eu ³⁺也是典型的可见波段稀土发光离子。本文综述了近几年可见波段稀土离子掺杂激光晶体的研究现状, 主要以Pr ³⁺、Dy ³⁺、Tb ³⁺和Sm ³⁺掺杂YAlO₃ (YAP)、Mg : SrAl₁₂O₁₉ (SRA)等晶体为研究对象, 总结了一套适合Pr ³⁺掺杂材料的判据, 对晶体生长、结构、热学性能、偏振光谱性能和激光性能进行了系统的研究。     

Frequency measurement of the 2S-12D transitions in hydrogen anddeuterium, new determination of the Rydberg constant

We have performed the first pure frequency measurement of the 2S-12D two-photon transitions in atomic hydrogen and deuterium. These frequencies are compared to two optical standards, the CO₂ laser stabilized on the OsO₄ molecule and the optical rubidium laser standard (LD/Rb) (namely, a laser diode at 778 nm stabilized on the 5S_1/2-5D_5/2 two-photon transition of rubidium). The main part of the experiment is located in the Laboratoire Kastler-Brossel (LKB), one part of the frequency chain is in the Laboratoire Primaire du Temps et des Frequences (LPTF), and two 3 km long optical fibers link the two parts of this experiment. The new value of the Rydberg constant is R_∞=109 737.315 686 06 (79) cm^-1     

Frequency of a methane-stabilized helium-neon laser

A phase-locked laser frequency chain was used to measure the absolute frequency of a HeNe/CH₄ laser relative to the primary Cs standard, with measurement uncertainty less than ±1 part in 10¹². The frequency depends on laser parameters; a spread of 8.3×10^-11 was observed. This was attributed to the variation of Lamb dip asymmetry resulting from the gas-lens effect and the accompanying diffraction loss variation near resonance. Means of improving laser frequency reproducibility by reducing cavity diffraction loss variation were studied experimentally. The frequency obtained with a cavity exhibiting the smallest Lamb dip asymmetry was found to be 88 376 181 599.07±0.07 kHz     

Blue, green and 0.8 μm Tm, Ho doped upconversion laser glasses, sensitized by Yb

To obtain efficient upconversion laser glass, the optical properties of Tm³⁺ and Ho³⁺ were investigated in various glasses. Fluoride glass was selected as base glass for upconversion. The efficient upconversion fluorescences corresponding to the ¹G₄→³H₆ and ³H₄→³H₆ transitions of Tm³⁺ and the ⁵S₂→⁵I₈ transition of Ho³⁺ were observed in Yb³⁺-Tm³⁺ and Yb³⁺-Ho³⁺ doped aluminozircofluoride glasses excited at 980 nm. The very stronge blue and green emission light can be observed visually. The upconversion processes observed were two-photon processes for ³F₄→³H₆, ⁵S₂→⁵I₈ transitions and three-photon processes for the ¹G₄→³H₆ transition and can be described by a rate equation model. The energy transfer and energy back-transfer were analyzed in Yb³⁺-Tm³⁺ and Yb³⁺-Ho³⁺ systems. The relationship between emission intensity, pumping intensity and dopant concentrations is described using a rate equation model and shows good agreement with experiments. The dynamics of excited state ( ) is also analyzed with the diffusion-limited model based on Yokota-Tanimoto theory.     

Observation of a Sub-10-Hz Linewidth 88Sr+ 2S1/2–2D5/2 Clock Transition at 674 nm

In this paper, a pair of diode lasers at 674 nm, locked to two independent ultralow-expansion high-finesse cavities, have been characterized by monitoring the beat frequency between them. The individual laser linewidth of 1.4 Hz for a 3-s averaging time broadened to 4 Hz at 30 s. The relative frequency stability of the beat at 1s is 2.5 10^-15. One of the lasers has been used to interrogate the ⁸⁸Sr^{+ 2}Si_1/2-²D _5/2 transition at 674 nm, and a transition linewidth of 9 Hz has been observed     

Yb to Er energy transfer and rate-equations formalism in the eye safe laser material Yb:Er:Ca2Al2SiO7

Rate equations formalism is used to predict the population ratio of the Er^{3+ 4}I_13/2 levels involved in the 1.55 μm laser transition in the Yb:Er:CAS laser materials. An effective Yb → Er energy transfer, favourable to the Er³⁺ 1.55 μm laser emission, is demonstrated in this laser host. Indeed, the Yb → Er transfer and the Er → Yb back transfer rates are calculated to be 6 x 10⁻¹⁶ and 0.45 x 10⁻¹⁶ cm³ s⁻¹, respectively. Attempts of codoping the system with Nd³⁺, Eu³⁺ and Ce³⁺ have been realised in order to increase the population of the Er^{3+ 4}I_13/2 laser emitting level. Best results are obtained with Ce³⁺ ion since in the sample containing 6 x 10²⁰ Ce³⁺/cm³, the Er^{3+ 4}I_11/2 level lifetime is divided by a factor of 3 while the Er^{3+ 4}I_13/2 fluorescence lifetime remains unaffected. On the contrary, codoping with Nd³⁺ or Eu³⁺ ions simultaneously decreases the Er^{3+ 4}I_11/2 and ⁴I_13/2 kinetics parameters. The role of the other parameters such as Yb/Er concentrations ratios is also discussed.     

A new optical wavelength ratio measurement apparatus: the fringecounting sigmameter

A new, compact and achromatic Michelson-type interferometer with a variable path difference is presented. This “fringe-counting” sigmameter allows measurement of optical wavelength ratios between a laser of unknown wavelength and a reference laser of known wavelength. This apparatus, maintained in a vacuum, measures interference order variations in two stages: integer counting of around 400000 and fractional counting (also called “excess fraction”) with an uncertainty of 10^-3. From these measurements, this “sigmameter” can determine laser wavelength from 0.36 μm to 1.5 μm with an accuracy of 1.10^-8 using a reference stabilized He-Ne laser     

Infrared optical properties of Bi2Ti2O7 thin films by spectroscopic ellipsometry

Bi₂Ti₂O₇ thin films have been grown directly on n-type GaAs (1 0 0) by the chemical solution decomposition technique. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the Bi₂Ti₂O₇ thin films are polycrystalline. The optical properties of the thin films are investigated using infrared spectroscopic ellipsometry (3.0–12.5 μm). By fitting the measured ellipsometric parameter (Ψ and Δ) data with a three-phase model (air/Bi₂Ti₂O₇/GaAs), and Lorentz–Drude dispersion relation, the optical constants and thickness of the thin films have been obtained simultaneously. The refractive index and extinction coefficient increase with increasing wavelength. The fitted plasma frequency ω_p is 1.64×10¹⁴ Hz, and the electron collision frequency γ is 1.05×10¹⁴ Hz, and it states that the electron average scattering time is 0.95×10⁻¹⁴ s. The absorption coefficient variation with respect to increasing wavelength has been obtained.     

1.5μm光纤通信波段乙炔稳频激光技术研究进展

1.5μm乙炔饱和吸收谱线是国际计量委员会(CIPM)正式推荐的光纤通信波段复现‘米’定义的频率参考标准。乙炔稳频激光依据稳频方法可分为线性吸收和饱和吸收两大类,饱和吸收相比线性吸收,能够消除乙炔分子的多普勒效应,获得线宽更窄、频率稳定度和复现性更高的稳频激光,1s频率稳定度能够达到10^-13量级,波长漂移为10^-12量级。利用13C2H2(ν1+ν3)P(16)谱线,研发的微型气室有望实现稳频激光的全光纤链路传播,为高度集成化、抗干扰能力强的稳频激光源提供了新的发展方向。高性能的1.5μm近红外稳频激光直接为密集波分复用系统、精密光纤传感等多个领域提供波长参考源,结合飞秒激光频率梳技术可进一步完善光纤通信中激光波长量值传递溯源体系,提升激近红外波段光波长的测量能力,为光纤波段的精密测量提供量值保障。     

AC measurements of the minimum longitudinal resistance of a QHEsample from 10 Hz to 10 kHz

AC measurements of the longitudinal resistance, R_xx, of a quantum Hall effect (QHE) sample have been made in a frequency range from 10 Hz to 10 kHz. The results show no frequency effect on the minimum value of R_xx corresponding to the quantum numbers i=2 and i=4, within the measurement resolution of 0.5 mΩ. Therefore, the influence of frequency on the value of the quantized Hall resistance, R_H, should not exceed a few parts in 10⁹ . Some unwanted effects detected during the development of the resistance bridge have been pointed out     

A new low-field determination of the proton gyromagnetic ratio inwater

The proton gyromagnetic ratio in water has been measured by the low field method using atomic magnetic resonance in ⁴He, a multicurrent solenoid and an induction method for the dimensional measurement of the solenoid. The result for air and vacuum environment is γ'_p (low, air)=2.67515451×10⁸ s^-1 T^-1 (0.18×10^-6), γ'_p (low, vacuum)=2.67515418×10⁸ s^-1 T^-1 (0.18×10^-6), based on the adopted values K_J-90=483597.9 GHz/V, R_K-90=25812.807 Ω, and measured values γ(⁴ He)/γ'_p=658.200556, γ(⁴He) (air)=1760.78819×10⁸ s^-1 T^-1 (0.18×10^-6), K_J-90, R_K-90     

共沉淀纳米粉体制备Yb:CaF2激光陶瓷及其性能研究

利用共沉淀法合成的粉体, 通过真空烧结结合热压烧结后处理制备了掺镱的氟化钙透明陶瓷(Yb:CaF₂)。在600 ℃预烧1 h, 700 ℃热压烧结2 h制备的5at%Yb:CaF₂透明陶瓷在1200 nm处的直线透射率达到92.0%。对陶瓷的显微结构、光谱特性和激光性能进行了测试和讨论。研究结果表明, 陶瓷样品的显微结构均匀, 平均晶粒尺寸为360 nm。此外, 计算得到Yb:CaF₂陶瓷在977 nm处的吸收截面和1030 nm处的发射截面分别为0.39×10 ^-20和0.26×10 ^-20cm ²。最后, 对Yb:CaF₂陶瓷激光性能进行了表征, 得到最大输出功率为0.9 W, 最大斜率效率为23.6%。     

Temperature dependencies of excited states lifetimes and relaxation rates of 3–5 phonon (4–6 μm) transitions in the YAG, LuAG and YLF crystals doped with trivalent holmium, thulium, and erbium

The temperature dependencies of the nanosecond multiphonon relaxation (MR) rates of the ³F₃ state of Tm³⁺ in the YLF crystal and of the ⁵F₅ state of Ho³⁺ ion in the YAG and LuAG crystals and of the microsecond MR rates of the ⁴F_9/2 (²H_9/2) state of Er³⁺ ions in YLF were measured in the wide temperature range using direct laser excitation and selective fluorescence kinetics decay registration. For YLF the observed relations are explained by 4-phonon process in the frame of a single-frequency model with hω_eff=450±30 cm⁻¹ for the ³F₃ state of Tm³⁺ and by 5-phonon process with hω_eff=445 cm⁻¹ for the ⁴F_9/2 (²H_9/2) state of Er³⁺. For YAG and LuAG crystals these dependencies are explained by the 3-phonon process with hω_eff=630 cm⁻¹. The decrease of the relaxation rate with the temperature in the range from 13 to 80 K was observed for the ⁴F_9/2 (²H_9/2) state of Er³⁺ in the YLF crystal. It is explained by the redistribution of excited electronic states population of erbium ions over the higher lying Stark levels with different MR probabilities. A good fit of experimental temperature dependence (including the dropping part of the experimental curve) was obtained for single-frequency model (hω_eff=450 cm⁻¹) with W₀₁=8.0×10⁴ s⁻¹ and W₀₂=4.7×10⁴ s⁻¹ accounting Boltzmann distribution of population over two excited Stark levels of the excited state of erbium ions. Employment of this model improves the fit between the experiment and the theory for the ⁵F₅ state of Ho³⁺ ion in YAG as well. Strong influence of the parameters of the non-linear theory of MR, i.e. the reduced matrix elements U^(k) of electronic transitions and the phonon factor of crystal matrix η on the spontaneous MR rates was observed experimentally. The smaller these parameters the slower the spontaneous MR W₀. This fact can be used for searching new active crystal laser media for the mid-IR generation.     

Absolute frequency of the molecular iodine transition R(56)32-0near 532 nm

The absolute frequency of the hyperfine component a₁₀ in the transition R(56)32-0 of iodine has been measured using the D₂ line in Rb at 780 mm and an iodine-stabilized 633-nm He-Ne laser as references. This measurement provides a secondary frequency standard within the tuning range of a doubled Nd:YAG laser. The measured frequency of the a₁₀ component is 563 260 223.480 MHz ±70 kHz     

Two- and three-photon upconversion of LaOBr:Er

In this work, the LaOBr:Er³⁺ (0.1%) powders were prepared by solid state reaction. The structural properties of LaOBr:Er³⁺ were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy. The results show that LaOBr:Er³⁺ has low phonon energy, which indicate that LaOBr:Er³⁺ may have high luminescent efficiency. Under excitation into ⁴I_11/2 level of Er³⁺ ions by 980 nm laser, the two- and three-photon upconverted luminescence of LaOBr:Er³⁺ were recorded. The most intense emissions were come from the ²H_11/2, ⁴S_3/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transitions. The upconversion mechanisms were studied in detail through laser power dependence, and results show that excited state absorption is responsible for the upconversion. The upconversion properties indicate that LaOBr:Er³⁺ may be used in upconversion phosphors.     

Infrared absorption and Zeeman effect in Nd doped YVO4

Low temperature infrared transmission studies of Nd³⁺ doped YVO₄ were performed, under a magnetic field B c, in the 1800–8000 cm⁻¹ range of the ⁴I_9/2→⁴I_11/2, ⁴I_13/2, and ⁴I_15/2 Nd³⁺ crystal-field transitions. Good agreement is obtained between the experimental and calculated g-factors. Frequencies of the satellites in the ⁴I_9/2→⁴F_3/2 transitions of the Nd³⁺ isolated ion confirm the presence of ferromagnetic interactions between pairs of coupled Nd³⁺ ions that lift the Kramers doublet degeneracies of their ground state and excited multiplets.