Optical frequency tracking and stabilization based on extra-cavity frequency

摘要

Embodiments of the invention provides methods and systems for synthesizing optical signals with high frequency stability. Using a set of external optical signal manipulators and control systems, embodiments of the invention enhance the resolution of any frequency reference and thereby alleviates the needs for ultra-high-Q cavities in frequency-stable optical signal synthesis. The invention consequently improves the performance of any optical signal generator by a substantial margin, while maintaining the system complexity and power dissipation at levels comparable to the original systems.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
an input optical signal source operable to generate a first optical wave characterized by a first center frequency and a second optical wave characterized by a second center frequency, the first center frequency and the second center frequency being separated by a frequency spacing; an optical frequency mixer coupled to the input optical signal source and operable to generate a plurality of third optical waves characterized by respective third center frequencies separated from each other by the frequency spacing; an electro-optic phase modulator coupled to the optical frequency mixer; an electrical signal generator coupled to the electro-optic phase modulator and operable to provide an electrical drive signal; an optical frequency reference coupled to the electro-optic phase modulator; and a feedback loop including a photodetector having an electrical output and operable to couple the optical frequency reference to the input optical source, wherein the feedback loop includes an electrical mixer operable to combine the electrical drive signal and the electrical output of the photodiode.