Abstract

Atomic spectroscopy of an electronic transition from the ground state often requires a tunable blue or UV source. Traditionally one approach in the laboratory has been to double or sum-frequency mix pulsed or CW-dye lasers to obtain the necessary wavelength. These lasers and nonlinear crystals such as LiNbO₃, and LiIO₃, have also been used in difference frequency experiments to reach the molecular vibrational bands in the infrared. However, these laboratory lasers suffer the well known litany of size, cost and complexity when compared to solid-state diode lasers. To reach these wavelength regions starting with less expensive diode lasers would allow for the possibility of decreased size, cost and power.

© 1996 Optical Society of America