Abstract
After five decades of development, mode-locked lasers have become significant building blocks for many optical systems in scientific research, industry, and biomedicine. Advances in noise measurement and reduction are motivated for both shedding new light on the fundamentals of realizing ultra-low-noise optical frequency combs and their extension to potential applications for standards, metrology, clock comparison, and so on. In this review, the theoretical models of noise in mode-locked lasers are first described. Then, the recent techniques for timing jitter, carrier-envelope phase noise, and comb-line noise measurement and their stabilization are summarized. Finally, the potential of the discussed technology to be fulfilled in novel optical frequency combs, such as electro-optic (EO) modulated combs, microcombs, and quantum cascade laser (QCL) combs, is envisioned.
Highlights
Introduction for LowNoise Optical FrequencyMode-locked lasers have attracted growing interest since their first emergence, benefiting from their superior features of an ultra-broad optical spectrum, ultra-short pulse duration, and ultra-high peak power in output pulses
Frequencies of individual comb teeth in optical frequency combs (OFCs) from mode-locked lasers are defined by the comb equation, vn = n × f rep + f ceo, where vn is the optical frequency of the individual comb tooth, n is the integer number, f rep is the repetition rate that describes the separation of comb teeth, and f ceo is the carrierenvelope offset frequency of the comb
The timing jitter of an optical pulse train could be introduced by various noise sources, e.g., intra-cavity amplified spontaneous emission (ASE), cavity’s non-zero dispersion, intensity fluctuation, and recover time of the saturable absorber
Summary
Mode-locked lasers have attracted growing interest since their first emergence, benefiting from their superior features of an ultra-broad optical spectrum, ultra-short pulse duration, and ultra-high peak power in output pulses. Frequencies of individual comb teeth in OFCs from mode-locked lasers are defined by the comb equation, vn = n × f rep + f ceo , where vn is the optical frequency of the individual comb tooth, n is the integer number, f rep is the repetition rate that describes the separation of comb teeth, and f ceo is the carrierenvelope offset frequency of the comb This basic equation leads to the measurement and reduction of two types of fundamental noises. Noise measurement and reduction in mode-locked lasers are extremely essential for various applications In this review, these are investigated from the aspect of repetition rate, carrier-envelope phase, and comb-line noise.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
