Abstract: The invention relates to a method for modulating the resonant frequency of an optical resonator (1) in accordance with a periodic, not necessarily harmonic, modulation signal (Umod(t)). Fast modulation of an optical resonator is intended to be made possible in which the current resonant frequency follows the modulation signal (Umod(t)) as precisely as possible, and specifically at a fundamental frequency of the modulation signal in the kHz range. To do this, the invention proposes the following method steps: deriving an error signal (E(t)) from a light field circulating in the resonator (1), wherein the error signal (E(t)) indicates the deviation of the optical frequency of the light field from a target value, deriving a first actuating signal (S1(t)) from the error signal (E(t)) by means of a controller (6), generating a second actuating signal (S2(t)), which has actuating-signal components at one or more harmonics (fmod, 2fmod, . . .

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for modulating the resonant frequency of an optical resonator (1) in accordance with a periodic, not necessarily harmonic, modulation signal (Umod(t)). Fast modulation of an optical resonator is intended to be made possible in which the current resonant frequency follows the modulation signal (Umod(t)) as precisely as possible, and specifically at a fundamental frequency of the modulation signal in the kHz range. To do this, the invention proposes the following method steps: deriving an error signal (E(t)) from a light field circulating in the resonator (1), wherein the error signal (E(t)) indicates the deviation of the optical frequency of the light field from a target value, deriving a first actuating signal (S1(t)) from the error signal (E(t)) by means of a controller (6), generating a second actuating signal (S2(t)), which has actuating-signal components at one or more harmonics (fmod, 2fmod, . . .

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser system comprising a laser light source (1) that emits laser radiation during operation of the laser system, a modulation means (2) that brings about modulation of the laser radiation emitted by the laser light source (1) such that the spectrum of the laser radiation comprises a carrier (14) and two sidebands (13, 15) that are symmetrically distributed around the carrier, and at least one optical amplifier (5) that amplifies the radiation emitted by the laser light source (1). The invention proposes that an optical filter (4) be provided in the beam path of the laser radiation, upstream of the optical amplifier (5), which filter is intended for removing the spectral portion of the laser radiation at the frequency of one of the two sidebands (13). The laser system is suitable inter alia for generating an artificial guide star (“laser guide star”) for astronomical telescopes comprising adaptive optics.