Detailed study of an efficient blue laser source by second-harmonic generation in a semimonolithic cavity for the cooling of strontium atoms

Klappauf, Bruce G., Bidel, Yannick, Wilkowski, David, Chaneliere, Thierry and Kaiser, Robin (2004) Detailed study of an efficient blue laser source by second-harmonic generation in a semimonolithic cavity for the cooling of strontium atoms. Applied Optics, 43 (12), 2510-2527. (doi:10.1364/AO.43.002510).

Abstract

We have constructed a blue laser source consisting of an amplified, grating tuned diode laser that is frequency doubled by a KNbO₃ crystal in a compact standing wave cavity and produces as much as 200 mW of internal second-harmonic power. We have analyzed the unusual characteristics of this standing wave cavity to clarify the advantages and disadvantages of this configuration as an alternative to a ring cavity for second-harmonic generation. We emphasize its efficiency and stability and the fact that it has an inherent walk-off compensation, similar to twin crystal configurations.
We demonstrate its utility for laser cooling and trapping of earth alkalis by stabilizing the laser to the 461-mn transition of strontium, using a heat pipe, and then forming a magneto-optic trap of strontium from a Zeeman-slowed atomic beam.

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