High stability in near-infrared spectroscopy: part 2, optomechanical analysis of an optical contacted V-shaped cavity

Abstract

AbstractOptical feedback is a powerful technique to stabilise and narrow semi-conductor lasers. As a step forward for field deployable, ultra-stable yet tunable sources, we analyse and model the opto-mechanical design of a V-shaped cavity optical feedback (VCOF) reference cavity. We estimate the relative contributions of sources of external disturbance on the optical resonance frequency of the cavity, and ultimately define the minimal thermal and mechanical shielding requirements to face field conditions. We attest of the robustness of the developed system, and show that external sources of disturbance are only secondary contributors to the overall stability of the cavity. The suite of analytical tools developed in the process paves the way for lighter and more compact cavity designs, more adapted to field deployment.