Polarization and wavelength stable superfluorescent sources using Faraday rotator mirrors

摘要

The wavelength stability of superfluorescent sources is controlled with optical arrangements in which the polarization-dependent gain (PDG) induced by the polarized pump light is reduced. In one apparatus and method, a Faraday rotator mirror (1538) is used at the end of the waveguide (1520) in the superfluorescent source. In another apparatus and method, the birefringence of the waveguide (1520) is exploited in conjunction with a Faraday rotator mirror (1538) to further average out the effect of PDG on the mean wavelength difference between the spectral outputs of orthogonal polarization components. <IMAGE>