A theoretical analysis of optical frequency combs associated with the main and suppressed linear polarization modes of a gain-switched long-wavelength VCSEL is performed. We have studied the VCSEL polarization-resolved dynamics by using an extension of the spin-flip model to include nonlinear carrier recombination. Our results show that two orthogonally polarized combs are generated that combine to produce a wider overall optical comb. The dependence of combs on the VCSEL parameters and on the amplitude and frequency of the modulation is analyzed. Bistability between the two orthogonally polarized combs is found.
Rolf Szedlak, Jakob Hayden, Pedro Martín-Mateos, Martin Holzbauer, Andreas Harrer, Benedikt Schwarz, Borislav Hinkov, Donald MacFarland, Tobias Zederbauer, Hermann Detz, Aaron Maxwell Andrews, Werner Schrenk, Pablo Acedo, Bernhard Lendl, Gottfried Strasser
We review recent advances in chemical sensing applications based on surface emitting ring quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). Such lasers can be implemented in monolithically integrated on-chip laser/detector devices forming compact gas sensors, which are based on direct absorption spectroscopy according to the Beer–Lambert law. Furthermore, we present experimental results on radio frequency modulation up to 150 MHz of surface emitting ring QCLs. This technique provides detailed insight into the modulation characteristics of such lasers. The gained knowledge facilitates the utilization of ring QCLs in combination with spectroscopic techniques, such as heterodyne phase-sensitive dispersion spectroscopy for gas detection and analysis.
A new instrumentation system for FBG interrogation is proposed. It combines the use of a VCSEL as a tunable laser and an optical frequency comb generator as a selective broadband source. Features such as auto-calibration and wave-length tracking are provided with this interrogation system. First a fast sweep searches for the FBG spectral position, its reflection profile and finds the best set of operating points for the optical comb. Then, the VCSEL is tuned with the FBG through a feedback loop to withstand large-range slow changes (strain and temperature) and, at the same time, the faster phenomena (vibrations and ultrasounds) are measured by the optical frequency comb generator. In practice, a dual comb is proposed to interrogate actively the FBG reflection in order to obtain radio frequency signals that contain the FBG dynamic-strain due to applied vibrations.
Dispersion spectroscopic sensing of trace gases, measuring the anomalous dispersion at a molecular resonance rather than absorption, has experienced increased attention in the past view years. Their advantages over absorption based spectroscopic sensing are the independence of signals from laser power and their linearity with concentration, even for optically thick samples. In this contribution, we give a comparative discussion of performance, noise and limitations of dispersion and absorption spectroscopy. We relate dispersion spectroscopy to phase-shift rangefinding, for which figures of merit are available in literature. Based on our analysis we conclude that dispersion spectroscopy cannot outperform absorption spectroscopy in most experimental situations. In some applications, where the optical power reaching the detector is unstable, dispersion spectroscopic techniques can, however, be advantageous.
Heterodyne Phase Sensitive Dispersion Spectroscopy (HPSDS) is a new method for molecular dispersion spectroscopy that provides an output linearly dependent on the concentration of gas, inherent baseline and normalization-free operation and an extended dynamic range in comparison with absorption-based spectroscopic methods. Besides this, HPSDS provides capabilities for the implementation and deployment of gas analyzers without any need for calibration and all data processing and concentration retrieval procedures are straight forward. HPSDS is based on the measurement of the change in the refractive index of the gas under study in the vicinity of the molecular resonances of interest, and most of the characteristics of the method come from the fact that this change in the refractive index is directly proportional to the concentration of gas. Experimental demonstrations of HPSDS have already been performed in the 1.5 μm optical range, where it is possible to take advantage of high-speed optical intensity modulators and optoelectronics. Here, we present a HPSDS system operating in the Mid-Infrared based on a directly modulated Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL). This instrument has been experimentally validated through the measurement of the concentration of atmospheric carbon monoxide. Taking also advantage of the study of the performance of the HPSDS system that was preformed, the main capabilities and also current limitations of the method are discussed.
KEYWORDS: Fiber Bragg gratings, Sensors, Frequency combs, Signal detection, Radio optics, Electro optics, Signal processing, Photodetectors, Modulators, Electro optical sensors
In this document, a FBG interrogation system based on a multimode optical source and a direct read-out is proposed for measuring fast phenomena such as vibrations and ultrasounds. The system is based on an electro-optic dual optical frequency-comb. This architecture allows the configuration of the multimode optical source parameters such as the number of modes that are within the reflected spectrum (FWHM) of the FBG. Results are presented for the dual-comb operating under optimized control when mapping these optical modes onto detectable tones of multiples of 100 kHz around a centre radiofrequency tone (40 MHz). Dynamic strain is induced onto the fiber through an actuator, which generates changes in the reflected wavelength of the FBG and in turn the modes within the reflected spectrum. The electrical signals are analyzed using fast Fourier transform algorithms allowing identification of the vibrations.
The performance of a 1540 nm pigtailed VCSEL has been characterized in terms of output power, frequency range and rate of wavelength sweeping for its application in fibre Bragg grating interrogation. Results are presented for the laser operating under optimized control when used to illuminate a single FBG mounted under tension between a fixed plane and a loud speaker cone subject to a range of frequencies at arbitrary amplitudes and transients. The ultimate objective is to extend the set-up to a parallel fibre topology supporting 8 FBGs with equal wavelengths.
In this paper we describe a fiber-based remote sensing device for the detection of liquid water and ice on the road surface
suitable for on-board applications. The system is based on the different optical responses of water and ice to three near
infrared wavelengths from low-cost semiconductor laser sources. The design of the sensor is divided in three main parts:
The optical fiber-based illumination and collection optics, the optoelectronic system composed by the emitters/detector
and the modulation/demodulation electronics and, finally, the data acquisition and digital processing system. The flexible
optical design allows both the use of the sensor attached to a post by the road for static measurements, or to be
incorporated into a road maintenance vehicle.
Use of gold nanoparticles (NPs) as a contrast agent for medical imaging is shown to improve the efficiency of optoacoustic signal generation; this signal enhancement allows differentiation between different tissue types. This aspect of medical imaging is important when concerned early cancer detection. The present paper presents the results on the interaction process between the laser light and gold NPs, providing valuable information necessary for improved and more efficient NP synthesis. The attenuation of laser is studied for NP solutions of different geometrical characteristics and concentrations where the study is based on both optical and optoacoustic characterization techniques. First results show that the absorption and scattering are correlated by increasing the size of the nanoparticles between 5nm and 60nm. The optoacoustic signals we have been obtained demonstrate similar behavior for gold NP diameters of 5nm to 12nm.
Use of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) as a contrast agent for medical imaging is shown to improve the efficiency of
optoacoustic signal generation; signal enhancement allows differentiation between different tissue types. This aspect of
medical imaging is important when concerned with early cancer detection. The present paper presents a comparative
analysis of two different optical techniques, optical transmission and optoacoustics, to define the different components
associated with the attenuation of light in GNPs. This attenuation of light is first studied for a pure absorber where the
results are shown to be in agreement for both optical methods, thus showing the effectiveness of the measurement
technique. A comparative analysis is also carried out on spherical GNPs which have been synthesized to have peak
absorption at the laser wavelength.
The study of the coupling phenomena and of the operation regions in laterally coupled diode lasers is a major key parameter for the understanding and development of these devices as a solution for the new optical communications systems. To understand the behaviour of these devices a complete study of their dynamics must be performed. In order to do so, in this paper a study of both the noise spectrum and frequency response is made. The aim of this study is to compare the performance of these devices as a single ridge laser and as a twin stripe operation.
Laser optoacoustics is based on the interaction of light with materials producing the thermoelastic effect forming acoustic waves which are characteristic of the medium in which they traverse. This technique is currently on trial for use in biomedical imaging applications and is achieving great success. The work presented here develops an innovative technique for wideband acoustic detection using a fibre optic sensor in a high sensitive multi-coil Mach-Zehnder interferometric configuration. A comparative analysis is performed using both electrical and optical detection techniques on gels which are commonly used to mimic human soft tissue. Indications of future work in this area will be presented throughout this paper.
The study of noise spectrum, in particular of the RIN, in semiconductor diodes lasers is a powerful tool to determine the proper frequencies and the operation regimes of the device. Following this a study of the RIN is of major importance to characterize the laterally coupled diode lasers. In this work a study of the noise spectrum dependence with the lateral separation between waveguides as well as its dependence with relative bias current applied is made. These results combined and compared with spectrally resolved near and far field allows the definition of which are the operating regimes of the device.
The work that is presented in this paper proposes a new low-cost and compact optoelectronic system for optical mammography trials. This system is based on the use of cost-off-the-shelf (COTS) optoelectronic and electronic components which are commonly used in the telecommunications industry. The main components of this novel system are based on low cost semiconductor laser diodes and avalanche photodiodes (APD's). This is backed up by the use of a versatile electronic architecture also based on telecommunication low cost components and techniques. Such methods allow research into the optimum modulation frequency for improved signal to noise ratio (SNR). To date the system has been tested on liquid phantoms formed by different concentrations of milk solutions. Results obtained from preliminary tests are within 10% of values obtained in previous publications.
In this work we present a new mode-locked device that can be used for millimeter-wave photonic applications. Such device presents for certain bias conditions a dual-mode behavior we have investigated for millimeter wave generation. Through the small signal analysis of the device, we have identified a resonance at the frequency separation of the longitudinal modes that has allowed us to demonstrate signal transmission at 40 GHz. The millimeter wave signal generated in detection is studied in terms of phase noise and the noise intrinsic to the emitter.
The coupling phenomena dependence with the lateral separation between the laser stripes in laterally coupled diode lasers is of major importance for the design of these devices as a solution to overcome the intrinsic bandwidth limitation of semiconductor lasers. In this work an experimental study of the coupling dependence with the separation between laser stripes is presented. For that purpose a comparison of the spectrally resolved near and far fields and of the frequency responses obtained with the laterally coupled diode lasers for devices with different separation between the ridges is made.
In this work we present a new mode-locked device that can be used for photonic millimetre-wave applications, and more specifically optoelectronic mixing. This device is based on a mode-locked MQW-DFB multisection laser that presents for certain bias conditions a dual longitudinal mode behavior (39.5 GHz separation) that can be used for mm-wave generation and transmission. In this work we focus on the possibility of achieving optoelectronic mixing using this new device through the injection of an intermediate frequency (IF) signal in one of the sections (absorber) while the gain section is used to mode-locked the two longitudinal modes by injecting a signal at 39.5 GHz. Demonstration of the optical up-conversion is carried out through the study of the modulation sidebands for different IF frequencies and a spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) of 65dB-HZ2/3 has been measured. Transmission of an up-converted NRZ 32Mbps PRBS signal using this device for optical mixing is also demonstrated.
In this work we propose a new low-cost and compact optoelectronic system for optical mammography trials based on the use of low-cost semiconductor lasers and Si photodetectors. This system is completed using a versatile electronic architecture based on COTS (Cost-Off-The-Shelf) telecom components and techniques. The system is also designed for experimental studies on the dependence of the modulation frequency and the optimum signal to noise ratio (SNR). Results presented in this paper show the effect the modulation frequency and index has on the phase of the signal when passing through a commonly used scattering medium.
In this work a study of the dependence of the coupling in laterally coupled diode lasers (LCDL) with the relative bias conditions is presented. The study is made by the analysis of the spectrally resolved near and far field optical spectrum combined with the frequency responses of these devices at different bias conditions. By the analysis of these measurements it was observed that three different operation regions appear, and are identified by the spectral phase relation between the fields emitted by each laser stripe.
In the present study we rely in different experimental measurements to show that the mode structure changes with the current are reflected onto the output power vs. current characteristics of the device. We address the evolution of the modal structure of a twin
ridge as we change the level of current injection among the two ridges. We show that the complex behavior during ridge coupling and the appearance of the lateral modes of the arrays are qualitatively represented in these curves. This information is important in two
related aspects: a) Determine when the two ridges start to interact, giving rise to a high frequency locking phenomena and b) Study appropriate models of the device that account for the observed phenomena.
Theoretical studies of twin stripe laser arrays have shown an enhanced modulation bandwidth over that achieved with single stripe devices. However, experimental data from the devices has concentrated mainly on the device spatio-temporal dynamics, by observation of the near- and far- fields. To our knowledge, only few experiments have been conducted to extract modeling parameters to feed the simulation with approximate values of its parameters. In this paper, based on our own experimental data from a twin stripe array, we clarify the role of the real and imaginary parts of the coupling constant. In the present paper we present procedures to evaluate their sign and modulus.
In this paper, modeling of semiconductor diode lasers by sampling the cavity of the laser using digital techniques is presented. These models, that sample the cavity of the semiconductor laser simulating the spread of the field in the active zone, are the only methods that permit evaluation of the spectral behavior of the device. Throughout this work, we present the study of the temporary evolution of the spectrum of the longitudinal modes of a semiconductor laser by using digital simulation techniques. Due to the digital nature of the filter and algorithm, we can adjust any given frequency response and reduce CPU time in computing the results. We present two digital models, DLM and LDDM, which improve the behavior of the traditional methods used in order to obtain temporary spectral response of semiconductor laser diodes.
In this paper, the first large-signal circuit model for laterally coupled semiconductor laser structures is presented. The present work gives application to the study of the transient regime of two coupled semiconductor lasers. The model includes both the electrical and optical characteristics of the device. The circuits elements that compose the model can be differentiated in two very different groups: on one hand, we have obtained circuit elements that describe the lasing processes in a single emitter. This elements coincide with already developed models for the single emitter. On the other hand, new circuit elements that account for the coupling terms have appeared. Also, a new variable has been modeled, the phase difference between the emitters. We will test our model by comparing the results obtained with the circuit model with those obtained by direct integration of the rate equations with standard numerical integration methods. Further indications on how to use the same approach with more complex structures will be given.
This work presents a model for semiconductor lasers based on digital signal analysis. This model discretizes the laser cavity, sampling the electrical field along the longitudinal direction of the cavity at fixed space intervals. The discretization of the field allows us to obtain the longitudinal spectrum of the laser. For computational efficiency, the wavelength dependence of the material gain is implemented using digital filters applied to the field samples, lumped into a single cavity. Therefore, the most complex and computationally costly operation of the algorithm is performed in a single section. Even further, due to the digital nature of the filter, we can adjust any given frequency response both in modulus and phase using the theory of discrete time signal analysis. The results of this model are compared versus standard modeling methods such as integration of the rate equations with Runge-Kutta Algorithm.
In this work we analyze numerically the dynamic behavior of directly modulated semiconductor lasers. We study the output response of the laser as the amplitude of a sinusoidal modulation current is varied at fixed bias point and modulation frequency. We show that, as in previous studies, a period doubling route to chaos can be found in the laser dynamics. Also, as in recent experiments reporting chaos in laser diodes, we have found a period tripling solution in the laser diode response.
In this work we present a circuit model of coupled cavity semiconductor laser. The model is based on the two axial coupled semiconductor rate equations. The results obtained by this circuit model and the analysis of the rate equation in the small signal regime are discussed showing good agreement between both models.
In this paper we present a small signal equivalent circuit model for two axially coupled semiconductor lasers. Instead of using the usual approach through the linearization of the device rate equations to obtain the circuit parameters, we postulate an equivalent laser with the same dynamic response as the coupled-cavity laser. We start charcterizing the small signal repsonse of two axially coupled lasers in terms of their oscillation relaxation frequency response through numerical integration of their rate equations. Then we compare it to that obtained from our first circuit model.
In this work we present a study of the nonlinear behavior of semiconductor laser diodes by using mainly circuit model analysis. By numerical integration and by equivalent circuit modeling of the laser rate equations we have studied the dynamics of a semiconductor laser under strong sinusoidal modulation. The circuit model approach allows also to study the influence of parasitic effects in the pulsed modulation response of the laser. We demonstrate the importance of considering the parasitic effect and the restriction imposed by the bandwidth of the equivalent parasitic circuit in the treatment and the observation of the nonlinear behavior of semiconductor lasers.
In this work we present the dynamic behavior of a two laterally coupled semiconductor lasers using numerical integration and circuit modeling of the array rate equations. We have obtained the same dynamic behavior when the system becomes stable. In this situation we can validate the conditions of the circuit model of such a device developed by the authors. By comparing the results obtained from direct numerical integration of the rate equation for the photon and carrier densities and the circuit response through a SPICE base program we have obtained the same bandwidth with both methods. The results show as well that the system presents unstable behavior for definite regimes of operation with agreement of both methods of analysis.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.