Calibration of piezoelectric-driven mirrors for laser resonators

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Abstract
A new technique for measuring small displacements of piezoelectric-driven mirrors has been applied to the calibration of piezoelectric-driven mirror systems for laser resonator cavities. In this technique, a wave-front sensor that includes an acousto–optic modulator and uses optical heterodyning measures the phase change when a mirror, driven by the piezoelectric translator, moves. Measurements obtained by means of this technique have been compared with measurements obtained with the traditional interferometer methods and have proven to be more precise. The increased precision was attributed to higher signal-to-noise ratios typically obtained with frequency-modulated, relative to amplitude-modulated, systems where intensity fluctuations exist in the system. The increased signal-to-noise ratio is advantageous when, as frequency increases, the output voltage from the driving power amplifier falls off. For a given amplifier, frequency–response data of the piezoelectric driver–mirror combination can be determined at higher frequencies. In this case, the frequency has been extended from 15–40 kHz.

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