title: Note: Digital laser frequency auto-locking for inter-satellite laser ranging.
abstract: We present a prototype of a laser frequency auto-locking and re-locking control system designed for laser frequency stabilization in inter-satellite laser ranging system. The controller has been implemented on field programmable gate arrays and programmed with LabVIEW software. The controller allows initial frequency calibrating and lock-in of a free-running laser to a Fabry-Pérot cavity. Since it allows automatic recovery from unlocked conditions, benefit derives to automated in-orbit operations. Program design and experimental results are demonstrated.
authors.affiliation: MOE Key Laboratory of Fundamental Quantities Measurement, School of Physics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Yingxin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Luo
authors.affiliation: MOE Key Laboratory of Fundamental Quantities Measurement, School of Physics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Hongyin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: MOE Key Laboratory of Fundamental Quantities Measurement, School of Physics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Hsien-Chi
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Yeh