Performance of internal-mirror frequency-stabilized He-Ne lasers emitting green,yellow or orange light

A comprehensive control system has been developed for the stabilization of internalmirror He-Ne lasers to their power envelopes. It is designed particularly for use with lasers emitting at 552, 505, or 490 THz (543, 594, 612 nm). The aim has been to combine convenience in routine operation with good day-to-day resettability and minimal frequency drift during a day. The lasers are observed to emit in up to four modes simultaneously and their tuning behaviour is highly alignment-sensitive. They also tend to flip between modes having orthogonal linear planes of polarization. Reliable control of polarization and mode frequency are possible using permanent magnets and active length control through thermal expansion. The stabilized single-frequency outputs have frequency drifts of about 2×10^–8 per year, and powers of between 150 W and 850 W.