A multi-branch, fiber-based frequency comb with millihertz-level relative linewidths using an intra-cavity electro-optic modulator

Opt Express. 2010 Jan 18;18(2):1667-76. doi: 10.1364/OE.18.001667.

Abstract

We demonstrate that fiber-based frequency combs with multi-branch configurations can transfer both linewidth and frequency stability to another wavelength at the millihertz level. An intra-cavity electro-optic modulator is employed to obtain a broad servo bandwidth for repetition rate control. We investigate the relative linewidths between two combs using a stable continuous-wave laser as a common reference to stabilize the repetition rate frequencies in both combs. The achieved energy concentration to the carrier of the out-of-loop beat between the two combs was 99% and 30% at a bandwidth of 1 kHz and 7.6 mHz, respectively. The frequency instability of the comb was 3.7x10(-16) for a 1 s averaging time, improving to 5-8x10(-19) for 10000 s. We show that the frequency noise in the out-of-loop beat originates mainly from phase noise in branched optical fibers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electronics / instrumentation*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Fiber Optic Technology / instrumentation*
  • Filtration / instrumentation*
  • Lasers*
  • Microwaves
  • Optical Devices*
  • Refractometry / instrumentation*
  • Transducers*