Ultralow noise DFB fiber laser with self-feedback mechanics utilizing the inherent photothermal effect

Abstract

Single frequency laser sources with low frequency noise are now at the heart of precision high-end science, from the most precise optical atomic clocks to gravitational-wave detection, thanks to the rapid development of laser frequency stabilization techniques based on optical or electrical feedback from an external reference cavity. Despite the tremendous progress, these laser systems are relatively high in terms of complexity and cost, essentially suitable for the laboratory environment. Nevertheless, more and more commercial applications also demand laser sources with low noise to upgrade their performance, such as fiber optic sensing and LiDAR, which require reduced complexity and good robustness to environmental perturbations. Here, we describe an ultralow noise DFB fiber laser with self-feedback mechanics that utilizes the inherent photothermal effect through the regulation of the thermal expansion coefficient of laser cavity. Over 20 dB of frequency noise reduction below several tens of kilohertz Fourier frequency is achieved, limited by the fundamental thermal noise, which is, to date, one of the best results for a free-running DFB fiber laser. The outcome of this work offers promising prospects for versatile applications due to its ultralow frequency noise, simplicity, low cost, and environmental robustness.