Stabilized tuning of the emission frequency of a laser by a two-section interferometer

A method was developed for the stabilization of the emission frequency of a tunable laser by an extracavity interferometer. In contrast to the Stark stabilization method suitable only for some CO₂ and CO laser lines, the proposed method is universal and it makes possible stabilized frequency tuning of any transition in the emission spectrum of a laser. An analysis is made of the frequency stability achieved for different interferometer configurations. The requirements are formulated in respect of selection of the interferometer parameters and automatic frequency tuning systems. It is shown that the method of a two-section interferometer makes it possible to widen the band of stabilized tuning of the emission frequency compared with the methods currently available. A report is given of an experimental demonstration of stabilized tuning of two emission lines of a CO₂ laser.