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ML-1 Polarization-Stabilized HeNe Laser
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The ML-1 is a small, low cost laboratory HeNe laser. The ML-1
provides a linear-polarized, frequency-stabilized or
intensity-stabilized, coherent, light source of continuous wave
(CW) visible (red) laser light with a nominal output power of 1
mWatt. The ML-1 laser is ideal for laboratory measurements,
spectroscopy, interferometery, and other sensitive distance
measurements. The frequency of the ML-1 laser is stabilized and
calibrated at the factory to provide an ideal light source
wherever a visible calibrated light source is needed.
Operator's Manual
Click here for a copy of the
operator's manual (400kB, requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).
ML-1 Brochure
Click here for a pdf brochure
of this information (80kB, requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).
Applications
- Spectroscopy
- Distance Measurement
- Interferometery (because the laser is unmodulated it can be used in interferometers with unequal arm lengths)
- Secondary standard reference
- Wavelength calibration (for other lasers)
- Alignment of optical systems
- Absolute gravimetery and gradiometry (requiring sub-nanometer distance resolution)
Instrument Features
- Dual Stablized Modes
- Intensity Stabilized Mode: >0.01% over 1 hr.
- Frequency Stabilized Mode
- RMS Frequency Fluctuations (Measurement made with ML-1 locked to one side of gain curve):
- Short Term (10msec): <100 kHz (2x10-10)
- Long Term (days) (<1 degC room temp changes):<800kHz (2x10-9)
- Average of red/blue lock frequencies (stable room temperature): 500kHz/24hr or (f/f = 1x10-9/24hr
- Long-Term Power Drift: <1%
- Intensity Fluctuations:<0.1% (rms 1Hz-10MHz)
- Absolute accuracy measured and given to user upon delivery with an accuracy of better than 10MHz (2x10-8) Single Mode Purity: 1:500
- Frequency accuracy on side lock 10MHz
- Output Beam Angular Drift: <1mrad
- After Warm-Up <0.01mrad
- Warm-Up Time: Approx. 15min.
- Transverse Mode: TEMoo
- Beam Diameter at 1/e2: 0.63mm
- Beam Divergence: 1.3mrad
- Output Beam Polarization: Linear to >500:1
- Polarization Mode Purity: >500:1
- Frequency Lock Point: Select to red or blue side of line center
Instrument Performance
Shown below are two Allan Variances of the laser frequency when the
ML1 is "beat" with an iodine-stabilized laser (primary standard
frequency source). Each measurement occured over a 24 hour period.
In the first case the room temperature cycled over 2 degC, while in
the second case it was stable to better than 0.4 degC. Zero on the
vertical axes is an arbitrary offset in the beat frequency between
the two lasers.
Allan Variance when room temperature cycles over 2 degC.
Allan Variance when room temperature cycles over 0.4 degC.
Instrument Configurations
Shown below is the ML1 housed in the thermally-controlled unit. The
housing is designed for maximum flexibility in a range of
applications. The laser beam exits the housing at a standard height
of 2". The thermally insulating feet can be swung in for a small foot
print, or out for use with standard optics table clamps (clamps sold
separately). Holes in the feet accommodate both english (25.4mm
spacing) and metric (25mm spacing) optics table hole spacing. The
housing can also accommodate an optional fiber optic mount and optical
isolator (the fiber mount is shown in the lower figure, and the
isolator is located internally). The figures below show just two
possible configurations.
Instrument Dimensions
A self-extracting SolidWorks® eDrawing can be
downloaded here. If your
browser supports the eDrawing plugin, you can view the page here.
The dimensions of the housing are 13.0 x 3.5 x 3.5", and the laser beam
height is 2" from the bottom of the feet.
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