Laser amplitude stabilization for advanced interferometric gravitational wave detectors

We present results of experiments into the stabilization of the amplitude of Nd:YAG lasers for use in advanced gravitational wave detectors. By feeding back directly to the pump-diode driving current we achieved shot-noise-limited stabilization at frequencies up to several kHz with some residual noise at lower frequencies (sub ~100 Hz). The method used is applicable to higher powered laser systems planned for advanced interferometric gravitational wave detectors