Characterization of a continuous-wave Raman laser in H-2

We present a time-dependent theory that describes the continuous-wave (cw) Raman laser in H-2. The time-dependent theory is compared with existing the ories, and threshold measurements are taken. The relative intensity noise o f the pump and the Stokes beams is measured and found to be in agreement wi th the predictions of the presented theory. The Raman laser decreases the r elative intensity noise of the pump beam by 34 dB/Hz at a frequency of 30 k Hz. In addition, the spectral heterodyne beat-note linewidth of the continu ous-wave Raman laser is measured to be 8 kHz. (C) 1999 Optical Society of A merica [S0740-3224(99)01908-6].