Off-resonance laser frequency stabilization using the Faraday effect

Abstract

We present a simple technique for stabilization of a laser frequency off resonance using the Faraday effect in a heated vapor cell with an applied magnetic field. In particular, we demonstrate stabilization of a 780nm laser detuned up to 14GHz from the Rb85D252S1/2F=2 to 52P3/2F′=3 transition. Control of the temperature of the vapor cell and the magnitude of the applied magnetic field allows locking ∼6–14GHz red and blue detuned from the atomic line. We obtain an rms fluctuation of 7MHz over 1h without stabilization of the cell temperature or magnetic field.