Frequency stabilization of an AlGaAs laser using selective reflection spectrum

Abstract

The frequency stabilization of an AlGaAs laser by using a selective reflection spectrum is reported for the first time. This technique has the advantages that a periodic pertubation such as the frequency modulation of light is not required, that the system is very simple and compact, and that the size can be miniaturized. Experiments were carried out by using the 85Rb-D 1 line, and a stability of 2.5×10 -11 was obtained for an averaging time 60 s without laser frequency modulation. The second derivative of the spectrum was also used for the stabilization, and a stability of 8×10 -12 was obtained for an averaging time 100 s.