GENERATION OF A FREQUENCY COMB WITH A SHARP EDGE OF ADJUSTABLE INTENSITY AND FREQUENCY

A frequency comb is generated by successive frequency shifts of a sing le mode laser by an acousto-optic modulator coupled to a passive ring cavity. The cavity design and the laser-cavity coupling have a very hi gh efficiency and allow for a perfect control of both the frequency an d the intensity of the sharp edge. A second acousto-optic modulator ca n be used to double the comb bandwidth. The obtained spectrum is parti cularly suitable for laser cooling when a large velocity capture range is required as it is the case, for example, of ions confined in a sto rage ring.