A Narrow-Linewidth Laser at 1550 nm Using the Pound-Drever-Hall Stabilization Technique

Linewidth is a measure of the frequency stability of any kind of oscillator, and it is a defining characteristic of coherent lasers. Narrow linewidth laser technology, particularly in the field of fiber-based infrared lasers, has progressed to the point where highly stable sources are commercially available with linewidths on the order of 1-100 kHz. In order to achieve a higher level of stability, the laser must be augmented by an external frequency stabilization system. This paper presents the design and operation of a frequency locking system for infrared fiber lasers. Using the Pound-Drever-Hall technique, the system significantly reduces the linewidth of an input laser with an un-stabilized linewidth of 2 kHz. It uses a high-finesse Fabry-Perot cavity, which is mechanically and thermally isolated, as a frequency reference to measure the time-varying frequency of the input laser. An electronic feedback loop works to correct the frequency error and maintain constant optical power. Testing has proven the Pound-Drever-Hall system to be highly stable and capable of operating continuously for several seconds at a time.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Department dc:contributor.department

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

2006

Author dc:creator

• Lally, Evan M.

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Wang, Anbo

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Safaai-Jazi, Ahmad
• Brown, Gary S.
• Heflin, James R.

• Linewidth
• Pound-Drever-Hall
• Fabry-Perot
• Laser
• Infrared
• Fiber
• Frequency Noise
• Phase Lock
• Stabilization

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Dc Identifier Other

etd-08242006-115533

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/34739