Frequency tuning of a CW atomic iodine laser via the Zeeman effect

A continuously operating, C₃F₇I photolytic 1.315-μm atomic iodine laser has been used to make the first precise observations of frequency tuning of an atomic iodine laser by means of the Zeeman effect. Application of a uniform magnetic field to the gain region of the photolytic iodine laser causes the laser to operate at different frequencies as a function of the strength of the applied field and the polarization of the laser. With the light polarized perpendicular to the applied magnetic field by means of Brewster output windows, the laser could be tuned to frequencies near the 3-4, 2-2, and 3-3 zero-field transitions of the hyperfine spectrum of atomic iodine. With the light polarized parallel to the applied magnetic field the laser could be tuned to two frequencies bracketing the 3-4 zero-field transition and one frequency near the 2-2 transition. Measurements show close agreement between the observed frequency behavior and theoretical models