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Title: Correlation of changes in laser tube temperature, cavity length, and beam polarization for an internal-mirror helium--neon laser

Journal Article · · Am. J. Phys.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1119/1.13017· OSTI ID:6718214

This experiment involves a study of those changes which occur in an internal-mirror helium--neon laser, during the warm-up period after switch-on. Increase in the tube temperature is measured using an array of thermocouples. Longitudinal expansion of the laser cavity is measured using one or two Michelson interferometers. Switching between axial modes is analyzed by measuring the laser output after transmission through a polarizer. The data from the three sets of measurements are compared by using them to calculate changes in tube length, and good correlation results.

Research Organization:
Department of Physics, University of New England, Armidale, N.S.W. 2351, Australia
OSTI ID:
6718214
Journal Information:
Am. J. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 50:10
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English