Optical signal processing with modelocked lasers

摘要

The invention relates to scanning pulsed laser systems for optical imaging. Coherent dual scanning laser systems (CDSL) are disclosed and some applications thereof. Various alternatives for implementation are illustrated. In at least one embodiment a coherent dual scanning laser system (CDSL) includes two passively modelocked fiber oscillators. In some embodiments an effective CDSL is constructed with only one laser. At least one embodiment includes a coherent scanning laser system (CSL) for generating pulse pairs with a time varying time delay. A CDSL, effective CDSL, or CSL may be arranged in an imaging system for one or more of optical imaging, microscopy, micro-spectroscopy and/or THz imaging.

主权项

1. A coherent scanning laser system for generating pulse pairs with a time varying time delay, said system comprising:
an optical source, said source comprising: at least one mode locked oscillator, said source generating optical pulses at a time-varying repetition rate; a repetition rate modulator configured to modulate said repetition rate at a modulation rate, wherein said repetition rate modulator is configured to modulate a cavity length of said mode locked oscillator; an optical delay line arranged to receive optical pulses modulated at said modulation rate and to generate said pulse pairs, wherein a time delay between pulses of said pulse pair is dependent on said modulation rate; and an optical reference comprising at least one bandpass filter, said optical reference configured for generating a reference signal for measurement of at least the time delay between the two pulses of said pulse pair as a function of time.