High passive-stability diode-laser design for use in atomic-physics experiments.

We present the design and performance characterization of an external-cavity diode-laser system optimized for high stability, low passive spectral linewidth, low cost, and ease of in-house assembly. The main cavity body is machined from a single aluminum block for robustness to temperature changes and mechanical vibrations, and features a stiff and light diffraction-grating arm to suppress low-frequency mechanical resonances. The cavity is vacuum sealed, and a custom-molded silicone external housing further isolates the system from acoustic noise and temperature fluctuations.