Method and apparatus for integrated optical wavelength stabilization

Abstract

A wavelength-stabilized laser system includes a laser that produces a laser light. The laser light has an amplitude and a wavelength that varies with the temperature of the laser and/or a bias signal provided to the laser. A temperature control device controls the temperature of the laser. A first detector outputs a first signal representing an amplitude of a laser light. A filter receives the laser light and outputs a filtered light having an amplitude that varies with the wavelength of the laser light. A second detector outputs a second signal representing the amplitude of the filtered light. An electromagnetic radiation source transmits electromagnetic radiation through the filter and through a diverging lens. A third detector receives the electromagnetic radiation that passes through the diverging lens. The second detector may be between the diverging lens and the third detector. The third detector outputs a third signal representing an amplitude of the electromagnetic radiation. A processor generates and transmits a control signal to control the temperature control device or the bias signal based on the first, second and third signals. A sealed housing contains the laser, the first, second and third detectors, the filter, the diverging lens, and the electromagnetic radiation source. The processor may be within or outside the housing. In a variation of the system, the third detector may be between the diverging lens and the second detector; the third detector has a hole or window through which the laser light passes.