Abstract: A laser diode has its frequency locked to the frequency of an absorption line of rubidium (water and oxides of nitrogen are also disclosed). The level of absorption, and hence the frequency relationship of the laser light with respect to the absorption line is detected by a photodetector. The absolute frequency of the laser light is guaranteed by initially adjusting the temperature of the diode until the frequency of the light is brought into coincidence with a first absorption line, subsequently maintaining the temperature at a constant level, and adjusting the drive current of the diode until the frequency of laser light achieves coincidence with an adjacent transition line. This ensures that the diode frequency is locked to the same absorption line each occasion the diode is switched on. Additionally, the change in drive current between coincidence with the two adjacent absorption lines is monitored as a further check that the correct transition line has been selected.

Abstract: An optical switching module has an optical waveguide substrate mounted on an electronic circuit substrate. According to a first aspect of the invention, the optical waveguide substrate has thin-film heaters, and the electronic circuit substrate has trimmable thick-film resistors for adjusting current fed to the thin-film heaters. According to a second aspect of the invention, the optical switching module also has a pair of fiber pigtails butt-coupled to the optical waveguide substrate. The fiber pigtails are secured to the ends of a supporter, which is attached to a heat sink fastened below the electronic circuit substrate. According to a third aspect of the invention, the optical waveguide substrate is mounted in a depression in the electronic circuit substrate. The invention reduces the size of the optical switching module.