Narrow-selection bandwith of femtosecond laser comb with application to changes in optical path distance

Abstract

In this contribution we propose a scheme of Fabry-Perot interferometer measuring the absolute distance in atmosferic conditions using a femtosecond laser comb. The spacing of mirrors of the Fabry-Perot interferometer represents the length standard referenced to stable optical frequency of the femtosecond mode-locked laser. With the help of highly selective optical filter it is possible to get only a few of separate spectral components. By tuning and locking of the Fabry-Perot cavity to a selected single component it is possible to get a mechanical length standard with the uncertainty of the repetition frequency of the femtosecond laser. If the interferometer measures distance in atmospheric conditions, the absolute value of the laser wavelength fluctuates with a refractive index of air. Compairing the measurement in evacuated chamber with measurement in ambient air leads to enhanced precision in measurement of refrective index of air.