3,904 research outputs found
Fibre segment interferometry using code-division multiplexed optical signal processing for strain sensing applications
A novel optical signal processing scheme for multiplexing fibre segment interferometers is proposed. The continuous-wave, homodyne technique combines code-division multiplexing with single-sideband modulation. It uses only one electro-optic phase modulator to achieve both range separation and quadrature interferometric phase measurement. This scheme is applied to fibre segment interferometry, where a number of long-gauge length interferometric fibre sensors are formed by subtracting pairs of signals from equidistantly placed, weak back reflectors. In this work we give a detailed account of the signal processing involved and, in particular, explore aspects such as electronic bandwidth requirements, noise, crosstalk and linearity, which are important design considerations. A signal bandwidth of ±20 kHz permits the resolution of phase change rates of 2.5 × 104 rad s-1 for each of the four 16.5 m long segments in our setup. We show that dynamic strain resolutions below 0.2 nanostrain Hz-0.5 at 2 m sensor gauge length are achievable, even with an inexpensive diode laser. When used in applications that require only relative strain change measurements, this scheme compares well to more established techniques and can provide high-fidelity yet cost-effective measurements
Broadband near-infrared astronomical spectrometer calibration and on-sky validation with an electro-optic laser frequency comb
The quest for extrasolar planets and their characterisation as well as
studies of fundamental physics on cosmological scales rely on capabilities of
high-resolution astronomical spectroscopy. A central requirement is a precise
wavelength calibration of astronomical spectrographs allowing for extraction of
subtle wavelength shifts from the spectra of stars and quasars. Here, we
present an all-fibre, 400 nm wide near-infrared frequency comb based on
electro-optic modulation with 14.5 GHz comb line spacing. Tests on the
high-resolution, near-infrared spectrometer GIANO-B show a photon-noise limited
calibration precision of <10 cm/s as required for Earth-like planet detection.
Moreover, the presented comb provides detailed insight into particularities of
the spectrograph such as detector inhomogeneities and differential spectrograph
drifts. The system is validated in on-sky observations of a radial velocity
standard star (HD221354) and telluric atmospheric absorption features. The
advantages of the system include simplicity, robustness and turn-key operation,
features that are valuable at the observation sites
Offset frequency dynamics and phase noise properties of a self-referenced 10 GHz Ti:sapphire frequency comb
This paper shows the experimental details of the stabilization scheme that
allows full control of the repetition rate and the carrier-envelope offset
frequency of a 10 GHz frequency comb based on a femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser.
Octave-spanning spectra are produced in nonlinear microstructured optical
fiber, in spite of the reduced peak power associated with the 10 GHz repetition
rate. Improved stability of the broadened spectrum is obtained by
temperature-stabilization of the nonlinear optical fiber. The carrier-envelope
offset frequency and the repetition rate are simultaneously frequency
stabilized, and their short- and long-term stabilities are characterized. We
also measure the transfer of amplitude noise of the pump source to phase noise
on the offset frequency and verify an increased sensitivity of the offset
frequency to pump power modulation compared to systems with lower repetition
rate. Finally, we discuss merits of this 10 GHz system for the generation of
low-phase-noise microwaves
Nanosecond channel-switching exact optical frequency synthesizer using an optical injection phase-locked loop (OIPLL)
Experimental results are reported on an optical frequency synthesizer for use in dynamic dense wavelength-division-multiplexing networks, based on a tuneable laser in an optical injection phase-locked loop for rapid wavelength locking. The source combines high stability (50 dB), narrow linewidth (10 MHz), and fast wavelength switching (<10 ns)
Cavity-enhanced single frequency synthesis via DFG of mode-locked pulse trains
We show how to synthesize a CW, single-frequency optical field from the
frequency-dispersed, pulsed field of a mode-locked laser. This process, which
relies on difference frequency generation in an optical cavity, is efficient
and can be considered as an optical rectification. Quantitative estimates for
the output power and amplitude noise properties of a realistic system are
given. Possible applications to optical frequency synthesis and optical
metrology are envisaged
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