Field-test of a robust, portable, frequency-stable laser.

We operate a frequency-stable laser in a non-laboratory environment where the test platform is a passenger vehicle. We measure the acceleration experienced by the laser and actively correct for it to achieve a system acceleration sensitivity of Δf / f = 11(2) × 10(−12)/g, 6(2) × 10(−12)/g, and 4(1) × 10(−12)/g for accelerations in three orthogonal directions at 1 Hz. The acceleration spectrum and laser performance are evaluated with the vehicle both stationary and moving.

Spherical reference cavities for frequency stabilization of lasers in non-laboratory environments.

We present an optical cavity design that is insensitive to both vibrations and orientation. The design is based on a spherical cavity spacer that is held rigidly at two points on a diameter of the sphere. Coupling of the support forces to the cavity length is reduced by holding the sphere at a "squeeze insensitive angle" with respect to the optical axis.