Open AccessA high-finesse broadband optical cavity using calcium fluoride prism retroreflectors
Author(s) -
Brian Lee,
K. K. Lehmann,
J. R. Taylor,
Azer P. Yalin
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.22.011583
Subject(s) - finesse , optics , prism , materials science , cavity ring down spectroscopy , birefringence , retroreflector , optical cavity , spectroscopy , optoelectronics , laser , fabry–pérot interferometer , physics , quantum mechanics
A high-finesse broadband optical cavity has been developed for use in the ultraviolet and visible region using Brewster-angle calcium fluoride (CaF₂) prism retroreflectors. Prior to prism construction, optical loss measurements of CaF₂ windows were performed using cavity ring-down spectroscopy at 250 nm. Total optical loss showed high spatial correlation with crystal birefringence, which was partially mitigated by orienting the <111> crystal axis with the laser beam. Prism reflectivity was measured using cavity ring-down spectroscopy and found to be 99.77% at 250 nm and 99.96% at 500 nm, allowing for relatively high-finesse operation over hundreds of nm bandwidth with a single cavity.