Frequency-Stable Optically Pumped Semiconductor Lasers

Technology research and development in such areas as next-generation atomic clocks, quantum information processing with trapped ions, and atomic spectroscopy is impeded by the lack of commercially available laser sources that meet the required specifications of wavelength tuning range, output power, frequency-stability and reliability. Arete Associates is developing frequency-stable Optically Pumped Semiconductor Lasers (OPSLs) to meet these specifications. OPSL technology exhibits a unique combination of compactness, efficiency, high power, wavelength tunability, and excellent beam quality. The objective of this Phase 1 SBIR effort is to assess the feasibility and robustness of single-frequency operation of two different OPSL cavity designs. The design that is identified as superior through this Phase 1 effort will be subsequently developed in Phase 2, with the end goal of delivering a system that NIST can use in its cutting-edge atomic clock and quantum information processing experiments.