A light frequency standard for use as an optical clock is disclosed that is improved by optical pumping. Optical pumping is utilized to change the ground states of the atomic vapor from transition-forbidden to transition-allowed ground states involved in two-photon absorption process. Using an optical pump creates a stronger absorption line signal used for locking the laser to an absolute frequency. An optical spectrometer based upon two-photon absorption is disclosed that is improved by optical pumping, utilizing two optical pumps. The first optical pump provides photons that may combine with probe light for two-photon absorption, but it also depletes absorbing atoms that are in ground states. The second optical pump replenishes the supply of absorbing atoms into ground states allowing two-photon absorption between the first optical pump and the probe light. Two-photon absorption between the second pump light and the probe light is forbidden due to energy mismatch.