Metrological Properties of the R(127) Line of Iodine Studied by Laser Saturated Absorption

Experiments performed with two 633-nm He-Ne lasers stabilized by 127I2 intracavity saturated absorption are described. In particular, the measurements of the frequency separation between the various iodine hyperfine components accessible with these lasers and evaluation of their pressure broadening, pressure shift, and Zeeman displacement are reported. Finally, the most important factors which limit reproducibility are discussed.