Question about the EOM used for PDH locking

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    Cavity Feedback Laser
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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the use of Electro-Optic Modulators (EOM) for Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) locking in laser systems. The user is locking a ~30 kHz linewidth laser to a ~100 kHz linewidth ultrastable cavity, targeting a reduction of the laser linewidth to ~1 kHz. The modulation frequency for the EOM is typically set between 10-20 MHz, and the user inquires about the advantages of using a fiber EOM versus a resonant free space EOM, specifically regarding locking performance and linewidth reduction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) locking techniques
  • Knowledge of Electro-Optic Modulators (EOM) and their modulation frequencies
  • Familiarity with laser linewidth specifications and stabilization methods
  • Basic principles of fiber optics and free space optics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the performance characteristics of fiber EOMs versus free space EOMs
  • Investigate the impact of modulation frequency on PDH locking efficiency
  • Explore techniques for minimizing laser linewidth in external cavity diode lasers
  • Learn about the integration of EOMs in laser stabilization setups
USEFUL FOR

Laser physicists, optical engineers, and researchers involved in laser stabilization and linewidth reduction techniques.

Malamala
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Hello! I am locking a ~30 kHz linewidth laser to a ~100 kHz linewidth ultrastable (ULE) cavity, aiming to reduce the laser linewidth to ~ 1 kHz using PHD locking. The feedback signal is sent to the laser current (it is an external cavity diode laser). For PDH the modulation of the EOM used to create the sidebands is usually 10-20 MHz, which can be achieved either with a fiber EOM or with a resonant free space EOM (my power is very small - few mW around 700 nm). Is there any advantage to using a fiber vs a free space EOM? Power losses during fiber coupling are not an issue, my question is mainly focused on whether one of these options allows a better lock and hence a lower linewidth.
 

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