Diode lasers for fast-beam laser experiments

This paper describes the diode laser system we use for our fast-beam laser experiments. The air-tight housing, temperature controller, and current con troller are described in detail. Data are given for the temperature stabili ty and current noise of the system. A contour map shows the dependence of l aser wavelength on temperature and injection current, from which laser freq uency scan rates are determined. Fluorescence and absorption spectra of the Cs-133 6s(2)S(1/2) --> 6P(2)P(1/2) and 6P(2)P(3/2) resonances are shown fo r a fast beam, a thermal beam, and a room temperature cell, demonstrating t he laser tuning capabilities and spectral width. A radio-frequency sideband technique with a Cs absorption cell is used to demonstrate robust absolute laser frequency stabilization suitable for fast beam applications. (C) 200 1 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.