Wavelength Stabilized Laser Diode Sources for Distance Measuring Interferometers

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This research project will investigate wavelength stabilization of a laser diode for use in a distance measuring interferometer or related device. The long range benefits of this program will be a low cost linear distance measuring interferometer for use in precision machine tools, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, precision metrology and laboratory measurements. A stabilization technique based upon temperature control of the laser diode will be researched. The temperature is controlled either by an attached thermoelectric (TE) cooler, varying the injection current to the laser diode or both. This approach requires an external interferometer to develop a control signal based upon wavelength drift if more than crude wavelength stability is to be obtained. In a distance measuring interferometer, this control signal can be obtained with little additional effort. Successful completion of this research program will result in a wavelength stabilized source for use in a compact and low cost linear distance measuring interferometer which can compete in the same markets as glass scales as well as many markets currently served by helium-neon based linear distance measuring interferometer.