Laser stabilization with modulation transfer spectroscopy

• Main Author: Yong, Ming Li
• Other Authors: Rainer Helmut Dumke
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: DRNTU::Science::Physics::Optics and light
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/45800
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This project aims to build a robust stabilized laser system with modulation transfer spectroscopy in atomic cesium. This laser system will ultimately be employed in the portable atom interferometer as the master laser and to which other lasers in the setup are stabilized to it. In this thesis, we will first outline the motivation and the theory for using the modulation transfer spectroscopy to stabilize the laser frequency. Then we will cover in detail the elements in the laser system: external-cavity diode laser, electro-optic modulator, acousto-optic modulator, fast photo detector, frequency mixer and proportional integral controller. We will also describe how all the elements in the laser system synergize to stabilize the laser frequency; described the physical realization of the external-cavity diode laser and discussed the expected experimental results. Lastly, the future work for the laser system will be meted out.