Absolute frequency shifts of iodine cells for laser stabilization

We present an investigation of iodine cell purity and influence of contaminations upon frequency shifts of iodine-stabilized frequency-doubled Nd : YAG lasers. The study combines measurements of laser-induced fluorescence and evaluation through the Stern–Volmer formula, with direct measurement of frequency shifts referenced by means of an optical comb to a radiofrequency clock etalon. These indirect and direct approaches are compared and provide feedback on the cell manufacturing procedure. Significant improvement of the apparatus for the measurement of induced fluorescence is reported, leading to better repeatability of the results. The ultimate precision that can be achieved in measurements of the absolute frequency of a stabilized laser is discussed in terms of the cell quality. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)

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