Abstract

The use of semiconductor lasers opens new perspectives in the field of laser spectroscopy, specially when a long term reliable operation of the laser source is a primary requirement, as in the case of metrological applications. The use of a semiconductor laser for producing low velocity atomic beams by laser cooling has already been demonstrated for Cs and Rb, because the required wavelength is accessible to commercial diode lasers. The technique of second harmonic generation by using non-linear crystals can extend the application of semiconductor lasers to the blue and the near UV spectral region.

© 1992 IQEC