High-resolution frequency standard at 1030 nm for Yb:YAG solid-state lasers

A diode-pumped solid-state Yb:YAG laser has been stabilized to a high-finesse cavity with an all-external servo loop. Ultrasensitive cavity-enhanced frequency modulation spectroscopy has recovered a sub-Doppler acetylene overtone transition with a high signal-to-noise ratio, leading to an absorption sensitivity of 7×10-11 at a 1-s averaging time. This high-resolution molecular resonance serves as a long-term stable reference for the laser. The system can be developed into a highly compact and stable optical frequency standard in the 1.03-µm wavelength range.