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Optics Express

Optics Express

  • Editor: C. Martijn de Sterke
  • Vol. 19, Iss. 9 — Apr. 25, 2011
  • pp: 8802–8807

Optics InfoBase > Optics Express > Volume 19 > Issue 9 > Page 8802

Instantaneous lineshape analysis of Fourier domain mode-locked lasers

Sebastian Todor, Benjamin Biedermann, Wolfgang Wieser, Robert Huber, and Christian Jirauschek  »View Author Affiliations


Optics Express, Vol. 19, Issue 9, pp. 8802-8807 (2011)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OE.19.008802


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Abstract

We present a theoretical and experimental analysis of the instantaneous lineshape of Fourier domain mode-locked (FDML) lasers, yielding good agreement. The simulations are performed employing a recently introduced model for FDML operation. Linewidths around 10 GHz are found, which is significantly below the sweep filter bandwidth. The effect of detuning between the sweep filter drive frequency and cavity roundtrip time is studied revealing features that cannot be resolved in the experiment, and shifting of the instantaneous power spectrum against the sweep filter center frequency is analyzed. We show that, in contrast to most other semiconductor based lasers, the instantaneous linewidth is governed neither by external noise sources nor by amplified spontaneous emission, but it is directly determined by the complex FDML dynamics.

© 2011 OSA

OCIS Codes
(140.3430) Lasers and laser optics : Laser theory
(140.3600) Lasers and laser optics : Lasers, tunable
(170.4500) Medical optics and biotechnology : Optical coherence tomography
(300.3700) Spectroscopy : Linewidth

ToC Category:
Lasers and Laser Optics

History
Original Manuscript: February 28, 2011
Revised Manuscript: April 15, 2011
Manuscript Accepted: April 16, 2011
Published: April 20, 2011

Virtual Issues
Vol. 6, Iss. 5 Virtual Journal for Biomedical Optics

Citation
Sebastian Todor, Benjamin Biedermann, Wolfgang Wieser, Robert Huber, and Christian Jirauschek, "Instantaneous lineshape analysis of Fourier domain mode-locked lasers," Opt. Express 19, 8802-8807 (2011)
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/abstract.cfm?URI=oe-19-9-8802


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References

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