Compact extended-cavity diode laser for atomic spectroscopy and metrology

We report on a compact, inexpensive, and durable extended-cavity diode laser (ECDL) of an original mechanical concept. The independent temperature control of a laser diode and an extended cavity provides a low-frequency drift. The linewidth of a few hundred kilohertz was measured by taking a beating of two identical ECDLs. The continuous tuning range of about 1Å is achieved by the synchronous scan of two piezotransducers translating and rotating an external diffraction grating. The laser has been used in high-resolution spectroscopy, atom cooling, metrology, and precise interferometry.