Liu Weixin

Intensity modulation in single-mode microchip Nd:YAG lasers with asymmetric external cavity

Intensity modulation induced by the asymmetric external cavity in single-mode microchip Nd:YAG lasers is presented. Two kinds of experimental results are discussed based on multiple feedback effects. In one case, the intensity modulation curve is a normal sine wave, whose fringe frequency is four times higher than that of a conventional optical feedback system, caused by multiple feedback effects. In the other case, the intensity modulation curve is the overlapping of the above quadruple-frequency signal and conventional optical feedback signal, which is determined by the additional phase difference induced by the asymmetric external cavity. The theoretical analyses are in good agreement with the experimental results. The quadruple-frequency modulation of the laser output intensity can greatly increase the resolution of displacement measurement of an optical feedback system.

Intensity Tuning Characters of Frequency Split Lasers

Laser frequency splitting generated by intracavity birefringence elements has been applied widely, but tuning characters of such lasers have not been successfully studied quantitatively. Based on the vectorial extension of Lambs semi-classical theory, we study the intensity tuning of frequency splitting of He–Ne lasers. It is found that the intensity tuning curve is affected obviously by the compositive ratio of isotopes in the gain medium and the frequency difference of splitting modes. The threshold of locking is also quantitatively obtained. All the calculations are consistent with the experimental results.

Anisotropic optical feedback of single frequency intra-cavity He--Ne laser

This paper presents the anisotropic optical feedback of a single frequency intra-cavity He–Ne laser. A novel phenomenon was discovered that the laser output an elliptical polarized frequency instead of the initial linear polarized one. Two intensities with a phase difference were detected, both of which were modulated in the form of cosine wave and a fringe shift corresponds to a λ/2 movement of the feedback mirror. The phase difference can be continuously modulated by the wave plate in the external cavity. Frequency stabilization was used to stabilize the laser frequency so as to enlarge the measuring range and improve the measurement precision. This anisotropic optical feedback system offers a potential displacement measurement technology with the function of subdivision of λ/2 and in-time direction judgment. The three-mirror Fabry–Perot cavity model is used to present the experimental results. Given the lack of need of lasing adjustment, this full intra-cavity laser can significantly improve the simplicity and stability of the optical feedback system.

Anomalous Variation of Beat Frequency in a Dual Frequency He–Ne Laser*

The beat frequency in a dual frequency He–Ne laser varies while the resonant cavity length is tuned. As to the laser with two longitudinal modes, the variation amplitude is commonly less than 500 kHz, proven by experiments and theories. This study reveals an anomalous variation of the beat frequency when a piece of element is put into the cavity and is aligned with the laser axis. Consequently the variation amplitude could reach 22 MHz, several dozen times larger than that without the intra-cavity element. This cannot be explained only by laser mode pulling and pushing effects. Some influencing factors are investigated experimentally, including the tilted angle of the element and the distance between its surface and cavity mirror. The qualitative analysis is discussed, which agrees with the experimental results.