Programmable control system for wavelength tuning and stabilization of optical fiber lasers

Abstract

We study the performance of a simple computer-based control system for tuning and wavelength stabilization of an erbium-doped single-mode fiber laser. Tuning is achieved by stretching a fiber grating used as one of the mirrors for the laser cavity, while wavelength is monitored through an optical spectrum analyzer. The desired wavelength of emission is fed to the computer through a graphic computer interface, and an actuator stretches the grating to tune the fiber laser. Once the specified wavelength is achieved, the control systems stabilize the fiber laser by monitoring wavelength fluctuations due to parameters such as temperature variations. Accuracy for wavelength stabilization is limited only by the resolution of the optical spectrum analyzer (0.06 nm). Being a general purpose system, any other tuning methods or wavelength tracking devices such as etalons can be used. Thus, by using the proper devices, the computer-based system could be easily adapted for the tuning and stabilization of any other rare earth-doped optical fiber laser.