Comparative studies of new optical feedback concepts for frequency stabilization of laser diodes

We demonstrate a linewidth of 35 kHz with a single mode diode laser operating at 852 nm phase-locked to another laser system that is frequency locked to a Cs-transition. A large continous tuning range in excess of 45 GHz and single mode operation were shown from 829.2 nm to 874.1 nm at constant diode temperature. The external cavity is stabilized to the laser emission by means of a polarization dependent method proposed by Hansch and Couillaud, leading to a long-term stable laser system with the impressive features mentioned above. Additionally the wavelength of the whole system is convincingly easy to tune.