title: Self-referenced characterization of optical frequency combs and arbitrary waveforms using a simple, linear, zero-delay implementation of spectral shearing interferometry.
abstract: We discuss a simple, linear, zero-delay implementation of spectral shearing interferometry for amplitude and phase characterization of optical frequency comb sources and arbitrary waveforms. We demonstrate this technique by characterizing two different high repetition rate (approximately 10 GHz) frequency comb sources, generated respectively by strong external and intracavity phase modulation of a continuous-wave laser. This technique is easy to implement, requiring only an intensity modulator and an optical spectrum analyzer (OSA), and is demonstrated to work at average power levels down to 100 nW (10 aJ/pulse at 10 GHz). By exploiting the long coherence lengths of these frequency combs and the self-referenced nature of the measurement, we also demonstrate a simple single-ended measurement of dispersion and dispersion slope in long lengths of fiber (>25 km).
authors: School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA. supradeepa@purdue.edu
authors: V R
authors: VR
authors: Supradeepa
authors: Christopher M
authors: CM
authors: Long
authors: Daniel E
authors: DE
authors: Leaird
authors: Andrew M
authors: AM
authors: Weiner
mesh_terms: D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D007368:Interferometry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D055100:Optical Fibers; D013685:Telecommunications / Q000295:instrumentation*