Grating-tuned semiconductor MOPA lasers for precision spectroscopy

A standard grating-tuned extended-cavity diode laser is used for injection seeding of a tapered semiconductor laser/amplifier. With sufficient injection power the output of the amplifier takes on the spectral characteristics of the master laser. We have constructed master-oscillator power-amplifier (MOPA) systems that operate near 657 nm, 675 nm, 795 nm, and 850 nm. Although the characteristics vary from system to system, we have demonstrated output powers of greater than 700 mW in a single spatial mode, linewidths less than 1 kHz, coarse tuning greater than 20 nm, and continuous single-frequency scanning greater than 150 GHz. We discuss the spectroscopic applications of these high power, highly coherent, tunable diode lasers as applied to Ca, Hg+, I-2, and two-photon transitions in Cs.