Frequency modulation via the Doppler effect in optical fibers

Abstract

We present the principle of optical frequency modulation via the Doppler effect obtained by rapidly stretching an optical fiber and thus modifying the optical path of the light propagating in the fiber. This procedure creates a pure frequency shift, with no degradation of the spectrum. Moreover, the effect is wavelength independent and can therefore be applied to any type of light source. We show an experimental realization in which a frequency excursion of ~100 MHz was obtained with a bobbin vibrating at 180 Hz.