Compact external-cavity diode laser with a novel transmission geometry

We report on the construction of a novel external-cavity diode laser based on a transmission diffraction grating in the Littrow-configuration. For thi s purpose, a low-loss transmission grating has been designed and manufactur ed. The transmission geometry removes the problem of directional variation of the output beam while tuning the wavelength without compromising the las er performance. The use of the transmission grating allows also an extremel y compact mechanical design with a good passive frequency stability. The de scribed laser has been designed to operate at the 633 nm wavelength, but th e construction can be easily adapted to other wavelengths as well. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.