Low-Drift-Rate External Cavity Diode Laser

TL;DR

This paper introduces a low-cost external cavity diode laser with a very low frequency drift rate, achieved through a compact aluminum design and thermal management, suitable for precise applications.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel, simple design and simulation of a low-drift external cavity diode laser with minimal temperature gradients and detailed thermal analysis.

Findings

Measured drift rate of 1.4 MHz/h at 852 nm

Thermal simulations show temperature gradients impact drift

Laser-diode aging may limit long-term stability

Abstract

We present the design, construction, and simulation of a simple, low-cost external cavity diode laser with a measured free-running frequency drift rate of 1.4(1)~MHz/h at 852 nm. This performance is achieved via a compact, nearly monolithic aluminum structure to minimize temperature gradients across the laser cavity. We present thermal finite element method simulations which quantify the effects of temperature gradients, and suggest that the drift rate is likely limited by laser-diode aging.