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Microwave Photonics Systems Based on Whispering-gallery-mode Resonators
Published on: August 5, 2013
Single-frequency synthesis at telecommunication wavelengths
1Centre for Metrology and Accreditation, P.O. Box 9, FI-02151 Espoo, Finland. ville.ahtee@mikes.fi
Optics Express
|March 19, 2009
Summary
We developed an optical frequency synthesizer for precise, tunable single-frequency generation at 1.55 micrometers. This tool enables advanced spectroscopy by providing user-specified frequencies from an atomic time base.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Laser Physics
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Precise frequency control is crucial for advanced optical applications.
- Existing methods may lack tunability or single-frequency resolution.
- The 1.55 micrometer band is vital for telecommunications and spectroscopy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a novel optical single-frequency synthesizer.
- To demonstrate its capability for generating user-specified frequencies.
- To showcase its application in high-resolution spectroscopy.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a continuous-wave external cavity diode laser.
- Frequency doubling and phase-locking to a Ti:S laser frequency comb.
- Sweeping synthesized optical frequencies by tuning the femtosecond laser's repetition rate.
Main Results:
- Generation of a single user-specified optical frequency within the 192-196 THz bandwidth.
- Achieved sub-kilohertz step size frequency sweeps.
- Demonstrated Doppler-free spectroscopy on acetylene using synthesized frequencies.
Conclusions:
- The optical synthesizer offers precise frequency generation and tuning.
- It provides a versatile tool for spectroscopic investigations.
- This technology advances optical metrology and telecommunications.
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