Real-time dynamic calibration of a tunable frequency laser source using a Fabry-Pérot interferometer.

We report on a method for real-time dynamic calibration of a tunable external cavity diode laser by using a partially mode-matched plano-concave Fabry-Pérot interferometer in reflection geometry. Wide range laser frequency scanning is carried out by piezo-driven tilting of a diffractive grating playing the role of a frequency selective mirror in the laser cavity. The grating tilting system has a considerable mechanical inertness, so static laser frequency calibration leads to false results.

Photorefractive damage resistance threshold in stoichiometric LiNbO₃:Zr crystals.

Several optical methods including ultraviolet absorption, infrared absorption of the hydroxyl ions, Raman spectroscopy, and the Z-scan method have been used to determine the damage resistance threshold in 0-0.72 mol. % Zr-containing, flux-grown, nearly stoichiometric LiNbO₃ single crystals.

Combination transitions due to stretching and librations of OH⁻ ions in LiNbO₃.

A new absorption band has been detected at 4009 cm⁻¹ in stoichiometric LiNbO₃ single crystals. Based on present and earlier experiments and recent calculations, this band has been assigned as a combination transition involving the OH stretching and an OH librational mode. The librational mode participating in this combination is of lower fundamental frequency than that contributing to the combination band at 4415 cm¹ observed by Gröne and Kapphan [J.