High-resolution frequency standard at 1030 nm for Yb : YAG solid-state lasers

A diode-pumped solid-state Yb:YAC laser has been stabilized to a high-fines se cavity with an all-external servo loop. Ultrasensitive cavity-enhanced f requency modulation spectroscopy has recovered a sub-Doppler acetylene over tone transition with a high signal-to-noise ratio, leading to an absorption sensitivity of 7 x 10(-11) at a 1-s averaging time. This high-resolution m olecular resonance serves as a long-term stable reference for the laser. Th e system can be developed into a highly compact and stable optical frequenc y standard in the 1.03-mu m wavelength range. (C) 2000 Optical Society of A merica [S0740-3224(00)03206-9].