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Single-frequency output from a broadband-tunable external fiber-cavity laser.
Optics Letters
|September 12, 2009
Summary
A semiconductor laser coupled with a fiber-optic filter achieves single-frequency operation. This tunable external fiber-cavity laser system demonstrates a 66-nm tuning range with a narrow linewidth below 50 kHz.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Semiconductor Lasers
- Fiber Optics
Background:
- Achieving stable, single-frequency operation in semiconductor lasers is crucial for various applications.
- External cavity lasers offer wavelength tunability but often face challenges in stability and linewidth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate single-frequency operation of a semiconductor laser.
- To achieve wide wavelength tunability using a fiber-optic filter.
- To characterize the laser's linewidth performance.
Main Methods:
- Coupling a semiconductor laser to a tunable fiber-optic reflective filter.
- Implementing an external fiber-cavity laser design.
- Performing stepwise tuning across a specific wavelength range.
- Measuring short-term laser linewidth using spectral analysis.
Main Results:
- Successfully achieved single-frequency operation.
- Demonstrated stepwise tunability over a 66-nm range centered around 1300 nm.
- Measured short-term laser linewidths below 50 kHz.
Conclusions:
- The external fiber-cavity laser design enables stable, single-frequency operation.
- The system provides significant wavelength tunability with narrow linewidths.
- This approach is promising for applications requiring precise wavelength control.
