Apparatus for the stabilization of the output intensity of a laser using a Fabry-Perot cavity

Abstract

An external mirror is positioned relative to the output mirror of a laser to form a Fabry-Perot cavity. The light transmitted by this Fabry-Perot cavity is compared to a reference value in order to develop an error signal which in turn is used to adjust the transmission characteristics of the Fabry-Perot cavity. In the embodiment constructed a beam splitter is positioned to deflect light coupled out of the Fabry-Perot cavity to an optical detector. The output of this detector is compared to a reference voltage in a difference amplifier which generates an electrical error signal. The electrical error signal is coupled to a piezoelectric translator which is attached to the external mirror and is capable of moving that mirror in a way so as to change the transmission characteristics of the Fabry-Perot cavity. Specific embodiments using a dye laser and a soliton laser are also disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.