Diode lasers for fast-beam laser experiments

This paper describes the diode laser system we use for our fast-beam laser experiments. The air-tight housing, temperature controller, and current controller are described in detail. Data are given for the temperature stability and current noise of the system. A contour map shows the dependence of laser wavelength on temperature and injection current, from which laser frequency scan rates are determined. Fluorescence and absorption spectra of the 133 Cs 6s 2 S 1/2→6 p 2 P 1/2 and 6p 2 P 3/2 resonances are shown for a fast beam, a thermal beam, and a room temperature cell, demonstrating the laser tuning capabilities and spectral width. A radio-frequency sideband technique with a Cs absorption cell is used to demonstrate robust absolute laser frequency stabilization suitable for fast beam applications.