Frequency Comb Referenced Scanning and Experiment Control in Saturated Absorption Spectroscopy

We report on the systems we use to control our frequency comb-referenced laser and collect precision spectroscopy data in our lab at Smith College. The newest method involves producing two beams offset by slightly less than the frequency comb mode spacing, so one beam will always be outside of the border area next to the comb mode which is traditionally a forbidden zone. By switching which beam is being used for frequency stabilization, we can step-scan in a controlled manner over ranges on the order 6 GHz. Combined with simple automation techniques, the result is a system which can self correct and automatically switch between runs at different pressures, laser powers, and discharge powers.