We present a novel device for automatically aligning laser beams using two quadrature photodiodes set immediately behind slightly transparent mirrors. The system utilizes feedback electronics and a LABVIEW program to automatically align an ultrafast laser quickly and accurately, even in the presence of gross thermal warping of the optical table. The design and implementation of this device is straightforward, making it an ideal research project for undergraduate students.
REFERENCES
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K. A. Jensen, R. L. Larson, S. D. Bergeson, and E. F. McCormack, “Exploring feedback control using experiments in optics” (2001), arxiv.org/abs/physics/0106091
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Newport, 〈http://www.newport.com/store/〉. Search for laser beam stabilization modules.
5.
This project was presented by Ms. Ward as part of the Symposium on Undergraduate Research at the Optical Society of America Annual Meeting, Long Beach 2001. If you are interested in building a BAGLE and need some tips, a copy of our LabView program, or would like to see QuickTime movies of BAGLE in action, contact Dr. Matt Anderson at 〈matt@sciences.sdsu.edu〉 or visit 〈http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/∼sps/ultrafast/〉
6.
Paul Horowitz and Winfield Hill, The Art of Electronics (Cambridge U.P., Cambridge, 1989).
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© 2004 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2004
American Association of Physics Teachers
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