Single frequency lasers

Why do we use single frequency lasers?

Using single frequency lasers offers several advantages in various applications due to their unique characteristics. As mentioned, single frequency lasers emit light with a very narrow linewidth and low phase noise. This defining characteristic sets them apart from other laser types. Unlike multimode lasers that emit over a broad spectrum, single frequency lasers produce light at a specific, well-defined frequency, resulting in a highly pure and monochromatic output.

This narrow spectral linewidth is of paramount importance in scientific and industrial applications requiring precision and accuracy. It enables high-resolution spectroscopy, interferometry, and frequency metrology, allowing researchers to study fine details of atomic and molecular spectra, make precise measurements, and achieve stable and coherent light sources. Moreover, in fields like optical communication, it minimizes crosstalk between channels, ensuring reliable data transmission and maximizing spectral efficiency. In essence, the narrow spectral linewidth of single frequency lasers is the foundation for their versatility and utility across a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and scientific endeavors.

The technology behind our single frequency operation

At HÜBNER Photonics we recognize the important role that linewidth plays when it comes to single frequency lasers. That is why the single frequency and single transversal mode operation of our lasers result in extremely narrow laser linewidths (<1 MHz specified and <100 kHz typically), low intensity noise of down to <0.1% RMS and a perfect diffraction limited TEM00 beam.

Another prominent feature of our lasers is the HTCure™ technology used to manufacture them. HTCure™ is a proprietary method for fixation of cavity components developed by Cobolt to ensure extremely high thermo-mechanical stability. During the manufacturing process we build our lasers into a hermetically sealed sub-package in a planar configuration. As part of our quality control process, the laser is baked up to over 100° C for several hours and at multiple phases to ensure it does not go out of alignment or sustain damage.

The HTCure™ technology addresses the issue of thermal and mechanical shocks or vibration that the laser might sustain over its lifetime, thus enabling us to offer a long warranty period to our customers.

Lastly, we also know that the choice of cavity design can affect the laser’s output characteristics. Our laser cavities include frequency selective optics which stabilize the resonator and prevent all but one longitudinal and transversal mode of the laser from being amplified in the oscillator. By combining advanced cavity designs, standing-wave as well as ring-cavities, with a thermo-mechanically stable platform, active temperature control of the complete cavity and robust fixation of miniaturized high precision optics, all our single frequency lasers provide very stable single frequency or single longitudinal mode operation over the whole laser lifetime and over a wide range of operating conditions.

Find the right single frequency laser for you

We pride ourselves in providing the broadest range of compact and extremely stable single frequency lasers. Over the years we have developed Cobolt lasers that are single frequency, as well as C-WAVE lasers which offer widely tunable continuous wave (cw) single frequency output based on optical parametric oscillator (OPO) technology.

The Cobolt lasers are all single frequency in the 04-01, 05-01 and 08-01 Series.

These lasers are by default also single longitudinal mode (SLM) lasers and are diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) lasers, or as Cobolt have embraced: Diode-Pumped Lasers (DPL), all with intra-cavity nonlinear frequency conversion.

C-WAVE Series, also a single frequency laser, offers a wide wavelength range of tunable single frequency output from 450 nm up to 740 nm and into the NIR.

Both the Cobolt and C-WAVE lasers are suitable not only for advanced laboratory research but also for integration into analytical instrumentation for applications such as Raman spectroscopy, bioimaging, interferometry, holography and quantum technology research.