Abstract

We present a frequency-stable diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser used for ultra high resolution spectroscopy of In⁺. A single laser-cooled Indium ion, stored in a radio-frequency trap, is a promising candidate for an optical frequency standards with an anticipated accuracy of up to 10^–18. On the way to achieve such a high level of accuracy one of the main limitations is the short-term frequency instability of the Nd:YAG laser, used to excite the narrow 5s^{2 1}S₀ - 5s5p ³P₀ transition in In⁺. Since the signal from the single ion is small, the laser system should posses extremely high frequency stability (on the level of 10^–14 - 10^–15) for averaging times of up to 20 seconds.

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