Stimulated Raman Spectroscopy with a Modulated External Cavity Diode Laser

The usefulness of stimulated Raman transitions has been demonstrated in a variety of different applications. These two-photon transitions have the capability of very high resolution because the transition linewidths depend on the relative jitter between two frequencies, rather than absolute jitter on either one. Recent demonstrations include laser cooling and atomic interferometry [1]. They may also be needed for improved atomic clocks [2]. Due to this high resolution, stimulated Raman transitions can be a direct replacement for a microwave cavity and are often more compatible with optical experiments because a laser beam requires less space.