Abstract

This paper proposes an actively mode-locked fiber ring laser for sensing applications. Mode-locking of the laser is achieved by driving an electro-optic amplitude modulator at an RF corresponding to the fundamental beat frequency between the longitudinal modes. The change of the cavity length produces a frequency comb around the beat frequencies. The frequency separation of the comb is found to be linearly proportional to the cavity length change. The sensing mechanism of the device is shown. Temperature measurement is demonstrated using the proposed actively mode-locked fiber ring laser.

©2012 Optical Society of America

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