Frequency stabilization of a Ho : Tm : YLF laser to absorption lines of carbon dioxide

A single-frequency Ho:Tm:YLF laser, operating at an eye-safe wavelength of 2 mu m, has been developed with tuning characteristics optimized for spectr oscopy of absorption features. The laser frequency was stabilized to three different absorption lines of carbon dioxide by a wavelength modulation tec hnique. Long-term frequency drift has been eliminated from the laser, and s horter-term jitter has been reduced to within 13.5 MHz of the absorption li ne center. This stabilized laser is an ideal injection seed source for a di fferential absorption lidar system for measurement of atmospheric gases. (C ) 2000 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 140.3580, 300.6380, 280.3640, 280.1910.