Laser frequency stabilization using regenerative spectral hole burning

We demonstrate laser frequency stabilization using a continuously regenerat ed transient spectral hole in an inhomogeneously broadened resonance of a s olid. Regenerative transient holes provide extreme stabilization for time s cales appropriate for spectroscopy, signal processing, ranging, and interfe rometry. Stabilization to 20 Hz on a 10-ms time scale using spectral holes at 793 nm in Tm3+:Y3Al5O12 gives substantial improvement in the reliability of stimulated photon echoes in the same material and enables the observati on of a third population storage mechanism for hole burning in Tm3+:Y3Al5O1 2.