Open-frame external cavity diode laser for teaching and research

We have constructed an open-frame, low-power, tunable external cavity diode laser suitable for both teaching and research purposes. We adapt the design of [1, 2] to an open, 4-rod frame composed entirely of commercially available parts. The laser can be quickly disassembled and reassembled by undergraduate students, while its open architecture provides an intuitive demonstration for students learning about laser physics. The laser will be used for atomic absorption spectroscopy. \\[4pt] [1] X. Baillard, et al., \textit{Opt. Comm.} \textbf{266}, 609 (2006) \\[0pt] [2] M. Gilowski, et al., \textit{Opt. Comm.} \textbf{280}, 443 (2007)