title: Detailed study of an efficient blue laser source by second-harmonic generation in a semimonolithic cavity for the cooling of strontium atoms.
abstract: We have constructed a blue laser source consisting of an amplified, grating tuned diode laser that is frequency doubled by a KNbO3 crystal in a compact standing wave cavity and produces as much as 200 mW of internal second-harmonic power. We have analyzed the unusual characteristics of this standing wave cavity to clarify the advantages and disadvantages of this configuration as an alternative to a ring cavity for second-harmonic generation. We emphasize its efficiency and stability and the fact that it has an inherent walk-off compensation, similar to twin crystal configurations. We demonstrate its utility for laser cooling and trapping of earth alkalis by stabilizing the laser to the 461-nm transition of strontium, using a heat pipe, and then forming a magneto-optic trap of strontium from a Zeeman-slowed atomic beam.
authors.affiliation: Optoelectronic Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, England. bgk@orc.soton.ac.uk
authors.forename: Bruce G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Klappauf
authors.forename: Yannick
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Bidel
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wilkowski
authors.forename: Thierry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Chanelière
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kaiser