Wavelength-tracking capabilities of a Fabry-Perot cavity

Jack A Stone; Alois Stejskal

doi:10.1117/12.506313

20 November 2003 Wavelength-tracking capabilities of a Fabry-Perot cavity

Jack A Stone, Alois Stejskal

Proceedings Volume 5190, Recent Developments in Traceable Dimensional Measurements II; (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.506313
Event: Optical Science and Technology, SPIE's 48th Annual Meeting, 2003, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We have characterized the accuracy of atmospheric wavelength tracking based on a laser servolocked to a simple Fabry-Perot cavity. The motivations are (1) to explore a method for air refractive index measurement and (2) to determine the stability and accuracy of these cavities when employed as a length reference, with potential application to absolute distance interferometry, air-wavelength stabilized lasers, or similar applications. The Fabry-Perot cavity consists of mirrors optically contacted to an ultra-low-expansion spacer with the interior of the cavity open along its length to the surrounding air. Changes in laser frequency are monitored to determine changes in the refractive index of the gas in the cavity. We have studied limitations of this technique that arise from humidity effects, thermal distortion, and (for absolute refractive index measurements where the cavity must be evacuated) pressure-induced distortions. Comparing results from two cavities with very different lengths gives us a very sensitive probe of errors associated with end effects, and pressure-induced distortions can be measured by filling the cavity with helium, whose index of refraction is believed to be well known from ab initio calculations. The uncertainty of refractive index measurements can be greatly reduced when these sources of error are measured and corrected.

Citation Download Citation

Jack A Stone and Alois Stejskal "Wavelength-tracking capabilities of a Fabry-Perot cavity", Proc. SPIE 5190, Recent Developments in Traceable Dimensional Measurements II, (20 November 2003); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.506313

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available