Single-mode frequency-stabilized 1.083 micrometer ring lasers

[摘要] A single-mode, frequency-stabilized LNA ring laser has been developed which routinely provides output powers $sbsp{sim}{>}$300 mW at 1.083 $mu$m when pumped with 5 W of the 514 nm output from an Argon ion laser. A modified CR899-21 Ti:Sapphire ring laser from Coherent Laser Group of Palo Alto produces 300 mW at 1.083 $mu$m when pumped with 21 W of all-lines Argon ion laser light. The importance of intense, stable 1.083 $mu$m laser sources is demonstrated through several experiments. Optical pumping with either laser produces He(2$sp3$S) atom beams of high polarization which can be maintained for periods of many hours. This allows investigation of Penning Ionization using spin labeling techniques, spin-polarized metastable atom deexcitation spectroscopy, and a novel method for absolute calibration of Mott polarimeters. Saturation of the He(2$sp3$S) $ightarrow$ He(2$sp3$P) transition allows study of the interaction of mixed He(2$sp3$S)/He(2$sp3$P) atoms beams with surfaces. Construction of a magneto-optical trap for He(2$sp3$S) atoms is possible utilizing the high power provided by the laser systems. Both lasers provide ample power for all applications currently envisioned involving optical pumping and optical manipulation of He(2$sp3$S) metastable atoms.

[发布机构] Rice University