Fiber laser tunes without mechanically moving parts

Nov. 1, 2006
Fast tunable lasers with a broad tuning range are desirable for Bragg-grating-based fiber-optic sensors and optical coherence tomography.

Fast tunable lasers with a broad tuning range are desirable for Bragg-grating-based fiber-optic sensors and optical coherence tomography. Most tunable fiber lasers or diode lasers use mechanical, rotatable diffraction gratings, mirrors, or filters, limiting tuning speed. But, by varying modulation frequency and chromatic dispersion in the laser cavity (and thus eliminating mechanically moving parts), researchers at the University of Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan) have demonstrated a fast wavelength-tunable modelocked fiber laser that tunes across a range of 100 nm (around a 1330 nm center wavelength) with a sweep rate as high as 200 kHz.

By using an active-modelocking technique in which short pulse trains are generated by directly modulating the injection current to the semiconductor optical amplifier, a predictable wavelength shift can be achieved. The technique-also called dispersion tuning-requires a length of dispersion-compensating fiber (DCF). By adjusting the DCF length, the tuning range and sensitivity of the fiber laser can be modified. The sweep rate of the tunable laser is limited by the cavity length, and could be increased by using a shorter dispersive element. Contact Shinji Yamashita at [email protected].

Sponsored Recommendations

Manufacturing thin films with tailor-made electronic properties

Dec. 5, 2023
Unlock the future of optoelectronics as researchers at Leibniz IPHT in Jena, Germany unveil an innovative technique for precision deposition of thin organic semiconductor films...

Quantitative Microscopy with Deep Learning

Dec. 5, 2023
Explore the untapped potential of deep learning in video microscopy with our cutting-edge software, DeepTrack 2.2. Overcoming the steep learning curve, this innovative application...

Stimulated Brillouin scattering enhances CMOS chip for microwave signal processing

Dec. 5, 2023
University of Sydney Nano Institute researchers are pioneering photonic silicon chips and helping spur growth in Australia’s semiconductor industry.

Current Trends in Laser Absorption Spectroscopy: More than Just Beer's Law

Dec. 5, 2023
Dive into the cutting-edge world of absorption spectroscopy in our upcoming webinar, exploring groundbreaking techniques such as cavity ringdown spectroscopy, photoacoustic spectroscopy...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!