Iv. Electrodynamics of Media Academic and Research Staff A. Low-power Frequency Mixing Experiments Using Metal-metal Point-contact Diodes

In order to make precise measurements of laser frequencies in the infrared region, it is generally necessary to run a laser cw at a low power level. This is done to insure frequency stability that is very hard to obtain in high-power, Q-switched lasers. Microwave techniques such as heterodyning can be used for extremely accurate measurements of absolute laser frequencies, provided a radiation detection and mixing element can be found that will operate reliably under the conditions of low laser power