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Reduction of phase instability in a mode-locked argon laser
Applied Optics
|June 12, 2010
Summary
Replacing a radio frequency synthesizer with a high-performance frequency generator significantly reduced phase noise in a mode-locked argon laser. This advancement minimizes timing fluctuations for critical laser applications.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Laser Physics
- Signal Processing
Background:
- Mode-locked lasers exhibit phase noise due to timing fluctuations, creating sidebands on the frequency spectrum.
- This phase noise impacts applications requiring precise laser output, such as synchronization and detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate methods for reducing phase noise in mode-locked lasers.
- To demonstrate a practical technique for improving laser output stability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a higher performance frequency generator to replace the standard radio frequency (RF) synthesizer.
- Measured phase noise reduction on the twentieth harmonic of a mode-locked argon laser's output.
Main Results:
- Achieved a 40 dB reduction in phase noise, measured 80 Hz away from the carrier.
- The improvement was observed on the laser's twentieth harmonic, indicating significant noise suppression.
Conclusions:
- A higher performance frequency generator is an effective solution for mitigating phase noise in mode-locked lasers.
- Reduced phase noise enhances the suitability of mode-locked lasers for demanding applications like laser synchronization and phase fluorometry.
