A broadband RF-intensity modulated 532 nm light source for underwater ranging

Abstract

A radio-frequency (RF) intensity-modulated light source at 532 nm was built for underwater ranging. The intensity of a narrow-linewidth laser at 1064 nm from a NPRO (Non Planar Ring Oscillator) was modulated via a Mach-Zehnder electrooptical modulator. The modulation frequency was tuned from 10 MHz to 2.1 GHz. The intensity-modulated light was amplified via a 2-stage laser diode-pumped Yb3+ doped large-mode-area fiber amplifier. A 15 mm long magnesium oxide doped periodically-poled lithium niobate (MgO: PPLN) nonlinear crystal was used to convert the 1064 nm light into 532 nm light via frequency doubling. The maximum output power at 532 nm was 2.56 W, the highest efficiency from the fundamental to second harmonic generation (SHG) was 22.6%. The watt level 532 nm light source was applied in underwater ranging experiments. Different modulation frequencies were applied to measure the distance of an object in the water. The turbidity of the water was changed by adding Mg(OH)2 powder, ranging accuracy of 6 cm was obtained at 2.5 m distance when the attenuation coefficient of the water was 1.72 m-1. In turbid water, higher modulation frequency was preferable for obtaining higher ranging accuracy.