Temperature-independent optical cavities for laser frequency stabilization

TL;DR

This paper introduces a method to stabilize laser frequencies by compensating thermal expansion in optical cavities using strained connections with high thermal expansion materials, applicable to Fabry-Perot and whispering-gallery-mode cavities.

Contribution

It presents two novel schemes for thermal expansion compensation in optical cavities, enhancing laser frequency stabilization stability.

Findings

Thermal expansion compensation extends temperature stabilization range.

Strained connections effectively counteract thermal expansion effects.

Applicable to both Fabry-Perot and whispering-gallery-mode cavities.

Abstract

We propose a method for thermal expansion compensation of reference monolithic optical cavities for laser frequency stabilization. Two schemes of optical cavities are considered: a Fabry-Perot interferometer with a crimp ring and a whispering-gallery-mode cavity with a clamp. In each scheme, thermal expansion compensation is achieved due to the strained connection of the cavity with an element made of a material with a high coefficient of thermal expansion. The temperature region of the cavities' optical length stabilization is estimated.