Frequency characterization of a swept- and fixed-wavelength external-cavity quantum cascade laser by use of a frequency comb.
The instantaneous optical frequency of an external-cavity quantum cascade laser (QCL) is characterized by comparison to a near-infrared frequency comb. Fluctuations in the instantaneous optical frequency are analyzed to determine the frequency-noise power spectral density for the external-cavity QCL both during fixed-wavelength and swept-wavelength operation. The noise performance of a near-infrared external-cavity diode laser is measured for comparison. In addition to providing basic frequency metrology of external-cavity QCLs, this comb-calibrated swept QCL system can be applied to rapid, precise broadband spectroscopy in the mid-infrared spectral region.
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Optoelectronics Division, 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80305, USA. kevin.knabe@nist.gov
Kevin
K
Knabe
Paul A
PA
Williams
Fabrizio R
FR
Giorgetta
Chris M
CM
Armacost
Sam
S
Crivello
Michael B
MB
Radunsky
Nathan R
NR
Newbury
D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D007834:Lasers; D008027:Light; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012031:Refractometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D020349:Surface Plasmon Resonance / Q000295:instrumentation*