Miniature Nd:YAG lasers: noise and modulation characteristics

The frequency and intensity noise spectra, as well as the frequency modulation (FM) response, of 1320-nm laser-diode-pumped miniature Nd:YAG ring lasers have been measured. The frequency noise spectrum has a resonance peak at the relaxation oscillation frequency of the laser (between 123 and 150 kHz) and is flat beyond 200 kHz with a spectral density of 613 rad/sup 2/-Hz, much smaller than that of semiconductor lasers; the corresponding laser linewidth is less than 49 Hz. The relative intensity noise is -140 dB/Hz at the valley and has a resonance peak at the relaxation oscillation frequency of the laser. The FM response is flat from DC to 110 kHz and is in the 0.65-3 MHz/V range; the modulation frequency is limited by the relaxation oscillation frequency of the laser.< >