Abstract

The power spectrum of a well-stabilized single-mode laser is deliberately broadened by introducing Gaussian frequency fluctuations in order to synthesize laser power spectra statistically well characterized to all orders. The objective is to carryout fully quantitative investigations of certain nonlinear atomic absorption processes. The results of a calculation of the power spectrum of a carrier frequency modulated by Gaussian noise will be outlined, and the approach to Lorentzian and Gaussian power spectra demonstrated as limiting cases. Experimental methodology for controlling the power spectrum to ~1 GHz from line center is discussed briefly.

© 1986 Optical Society of America