Saturation spectroscopy of an acetylene molecule in the 1550 nm region using an erbium doped fiber amplifier

Abstract We have observed saturated absorption of the ν 1 + ν 3 band of 13 C 2 H 2 using an extended cavity laser diode and an erbium doped fiber amplifier. These narrow lines are very promising candidates for wavelength/frequency standards in the 1550 nm region (the optical communication band). We also discuss the possibility of making a working standard in this wavelength region using a Fabry-Perot cavity cell.