Frequency noise analysis of optically self-locked diode lasers

Abstract
Recent progress on frequency stabilization of a diode laser emitting near 850 nm is discussed. A confocal Fabry-Perot cavity is used to feed back the beam from the diode laser and provide resonant optical stabilization of the semiconductor laser. A detailed theoretical analysis of the static and dynamic frequency noise power spectrum of the coupled cavity laser field is presented. Static-frequency noise reduction of 50-60 dB and reduction of the laser linewidth from 20 MHz to less than 4 kHz are obtained. Finally, a detailed analysis of the beat-note spectra of two optically self-locked diode lasers shows a nonLorentzian RF power spectrum.<>