[Paper Review] Multi-optical comb metrology using relative carrier envelope phase control and demonstration for arbitrary polarization modulation

Akifumi Asahara, Kaoru Minoshima|arXiv (Cornell University)|Oct 17, 2017

Advanced Fiber Laser Technologies22 references3 citations

TL;DR

This paper proposes a multi-optical comb metrology technique using relative carrier envelope phase (CEP) control to enable arbitrary polarization modulation. By precisely managing the offset frequency between two combs, the authors demonstrate coherent generation and detection of polarization-modulated combs, enabling rapid, precise, and flexible coherent control for advanced metrological applications.

ABSTRACT

We propose a novel measurement technique that exploits the high coherent controllability of multi-comb systems, which corresponds to a generalization of the frequency control between the comb sources. In this paper, we particularly focus on the arbitrary relative carrier envelope phase (CEP) control through the relative offset frequency of two combs. We successfully demonstrate polarization-modulated comb generation and its coherent detection in the developed system. The proof-of-principle experiment indicates the potential of multi-comb systems, enabling a rapid, precise, and arbitrary coherent modulation method utilized for a wide variety of metrological applications.

Motivation & Objective

• To develop a novel multi-comb metrology technique leveraging high coherent controllability of optical frequency combs.
• To achieve arbitrary relative carrier envelope phase (CEP) control through precise offset frequency tuning between two combs.
• To demonstrate coherent polarization-modulated comb generation and detection in a multi-comb system.
• To enable rapid, precise, and flexible coherent modulation for diverse metrological applications.

Proposed method

• The method employs two optical frequency combs with independently controlled carrier envelope phases.
• Relative CEP control is achieved by stabilizing the offset frequency difference between the two combs.
• Polarization modulation is induced by modulating the relative phase between the two combs in a coherent manner.
• Coherent detection of the polarization-modulated comb is performed using a balanced detection scheme with a polarization-maintaining fiber.
• The system uses a Mach-Zehnder interferometer configuration to stabilize and control the relative phase between the combs.
• Theoretical analysis and experimental validation confirm the stability and controllability of the relative CEP and polarization modulation.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 Can relative carrier envelope phase control be achieved between two optical combs through offset frequency tuning?
• RQ2 Can arbitrary polarization modulation be coherently generated using multi-comb systems?
• RQ3 What is the stability and precision of the generated polarization-modulated comb signals?
• RQ4 Can the system enable rapid and flexible coherent modulation for practical metrological applications?

Key findings

• The authors successfully demonstrated coherent generation of polarization-modulated combs using relative CEP control between two combs.
• The system achieved stable and arbitrary relative carrier envelope phase control via precise offset frequency tuning.
• Coherent detection of the polarization-modulated signal was experimentally verified, confirming the integrity of the modulation.
• The proof-of-principle experiment confirms the feasibility of using multi-comb systems for rapid, precise, and arbitrary coherent modulation.
• The technique enables a new class of coherent control in optical frequency combs, expanding their utility in metrology.
• The method is scalable and adaptable to various optical measurement and sensing applications.