×

Ultralow noise mode-locked laser and RF sinewave source

  • US 7,492,795 B1
  • Filed: 01/05/2005
  • Issued: 02/17/2009
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/06/2004
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method of generating precise optical timing signals having a frequency greater than approximately 12.4 GHz from a mode locked laser source comprising the steps of:

  • Automatically self-starting an optical loop of a mode locked laser source optoelectronic loop oscillator operating at greater than approximately 12.4 GHz;

    Producing a periodic comb of phase-locked longitudinal modes from the mode locked laser source;

    Selecting two of said phase-locked longitudinal modes from said optical loop of the mode locked laser source;

    Producing a beat note from said selected two phase-locked longitudinal modes;

    Delaying the produced beat note in a delay line, having a length of about 100 meters, between an optical circulator of the optical loop and a photodiode of an electrical loop said delay line coupling the electrical loop with the optical loop;

    Detecting said delayed beat note pulses at the electrical loop coupled with the optical loop and generating an electrical beat pulse;

    Dividing said electrical beat pulses by a selected integer to form an electrical controlling signal;

    Controlling an optical modulator coupling said optical loop with said electrical loop with said electrical controlling signal to mode lock said laser source on a selected harmonic of a fundamental frequency of said optical loop; and

    Coupling said harmonic of said laser source to an optical output as the optical timing signal to drive a harmonic mode-locked laser.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×