Coherence-free microwave photonic notch filter with a single driver intensity modulator in a Sagnac fiber loop

A coherence-free microwave photonic filter configuration is presented. The configuration is based on a Sagnac loop interferometer containing a single-drive intensity modulator without a nonreciprocal bias unit. A notch response is obtained by modulating the clockwise and counterclockwise propagating waves inside the Sagnac loop at different times. A general theoretical analysis for both the reflected signal and the transmitted signal is obtained. Measured results verify the theoretical expressions and demonstrate a robust notch filter response.     

Infinite impulse response microwave photonic filter using a dual drive modulator with an optoelectronic feedback loop

A novel design of a microwave photonic filter with infinite impulse response is demonstrated. The design is based on a dual drive modulator with an optoelectronic feedback loop. The stopband of the filter can be switched to passband and vice versa by switching the bias point of the dual drive modulator. Measured results confirm the theoretical expressions and demonstrate a rejection ratio and frequency selectivity which is greater than 30 dB.     

Microwave photonic notch filter based on a dual-Sagnac-loop structure

A new single-wavelength, coherence-free microwave photonic notch filter is presented. The concept is based on a dual-Sagnac-loop structure that functions with a new principle in which the two loops operate with different free spectral ranges, and which generate noncommensurate taps. It has the ability to generate a narrow notch response and can operate to high frequencies. Experimental results demonstrate a notch filter with a narrow notch width, a flat passband, and high stop-band attenuation of over 40dB.     

Highly sensitive optical length measurement by using a microwave photonic filter with multi-passband

In this paper, a method for optical length measurement that employs a multi-passband microwave photonic filter (MPF) is analysed and demonstrated experimentally. The MPF consists of a sliced broadband light source, a phase modulator, a dual-parallel dispersion medium and a photodetector (PD). By cascading two Mach–Zehnder interferometers (MZIs) with different arm length difference, the MPF with eight passbands has been obtained. The variation of the length difference of MZI will lead the change of the free spectral range (FSR) of the interference spectrum, as well as the frequency of the passbands. By changing the arm length of the MZI, a high length measuring sensitivity of ?2.420?GHz/mm has been achieved. The MPF has broad application prospects in the field of multi-parameter sensing. Moreover, the sensor reveals the advantages of highly sensitive, easy to implement and is able to overcome the influence of the environmental perturbation, for example temperature.     

Simultaneous dual free spectral range microwave photonic filter using a high-birefringence chirped grating in a Sagnac loop

We propose a continuously tunable, dual free spectral range (FSR) photonic microwave notch filter configuration using a high-birefringence linearly chirped fiber Bragg grating (Hi-Bi LCFBG) that is connected in a Sagnac loop using a Hi-Bi coupler. The configuration employs double sideband modulation and can generate two FSRs simultaneously. The larger FSR corresponds to the differential time delay of the Hi-Bi LCFBG and the Hi-Bi pigtails of the coupler; the smaller FSR corresponds to the time delay between the arms of the Sagnac loop. Measured results demonstrate dual FSR, a large notch rejection, and that the FSR is easily tunable by tuning the LCFBG. We also present the filter transfer function for the design. Experimental results agree well with the theoretical analysis.     

Multimode distributed feedback laser emission in a dye-doped optically pumped polymer thin-film

We report on particular features of thin film distributed feedback (DFB) lasers. Devices are optically pumped using a Lloyd-mirror interferometer. For a given DFB grating period, the number of lasing modes is film thickness dependent. Spectral content of the devices is analysed using planar waveguide theory. An excellent agreement between the theoretical transverse electric mode structure and the laser emission spectrum is found.     

Numerical simulation of a novel all-optical flip-flop based on a chirped nonlinear distributed feedback semiconductor laser structure using GPGPU computing

A novel all-optical flip-flop based on a chirped nonlinear distributed feedback laser structure is proposed. The flip-flop does not require a holding beam. The optical gain is provided by a current injection into an active layer. The nonlinear wave-guiding layer consists of a chirped phase shifted grating accompanied with a negative nonlinear refractive index coefficient that increases in magnitude along the wave-guide. In the ‘OFF’ state, the chirped grating does not provide the required optical feedback to start lasing. An optical pulse switches the device ‘ON’ by reducing the chirp due to the negative nonlinear refractive index coefficient. The reduced chirp grating provides enough feedback to sustain a laser mode. The device is switched ‘OFF’ by cross gain modulation. GPGPU computing allows for long simulation time of multiple SET–RESET operations. The ‘ON/OFF’ transitions delays are in nanoseconds time scale.     

Active optical feedback in a dual-diode laser configuration applied to displacement measurements with a wide dynamic range

The principles, experimental apparatus, and advantages of the use of an optical feedback technique for extended displacement measurements based on the use of a dual-diode laser configuration are described. This device is capable of creating a synthetic wavelength from the two lasers simultaneously through the frequency selectivity of the individual lasers, which respond only to their own wavelength. Theoretical analysis and experimental evidence are presented to show the feasibility of the measurement method and the simplicity of its operation.     

Trace-gas detection in ambient air with a thermoelectrically cooled, pulsed quantum-cascade distributed feedback laser

A pulsed quantum-cascade distributed feedback laser operating at near room temperature was used for sensitive high-resolution IR absorption spectroscopy of ambient air at a wavelength of ~8 mum. Near-transform-limited laser pulses were obtained owing to short (~5-ns) current pulse excitation and optimized electrical coupling. Fast and slow computer-controlled frequency scanning techniques were implemented and characterized. Fast computer-controlled laser wavelength switching was used to acquire second-derivative absorption spectra. The minimum detectable absorption was found to be 3 x 10(-4) with 10(5) laser pulses (20-kHz repetition rate), and 1.7 x 10(-4) for 5 x 10(5) pulses, based on the standard deviation of the linear regression analysis.     

Transportable automated ammonia sensor based on a pulsed thermoelectrically cooled quantum-cascade distributed feedback laser

A compact ammonia sensor based on a 10-microm single-frequency, thermoelectrically cooled, pulsed quantum-cascade laser with an embedded distributed feedback structure has been developed. To measure NH3 concentrations, we scanned the laser over two absorption lines of its fundamental v2 band. A sensitivity of better than 0.3 parts per million was achieved with just a 1-m optical path length. The sensor is computer controlled and automated to monitor NH3 concentrations continuously for extended periods of time and to store data in the computer memory.     

Detailed analysis of a 40 GHz all-optical synchronization based on an amplified-feedback distributed feedback laser

We demonstrate an all-optical synchronization using an amplified-feedback distributed feedback laser with coherent injection experimentally, which can synchronize 40 GHz degraded signals even with optical signal-to-noise ratio as low as 5 dB, or chromatic dispersion as large as 408 ps/nm. Besides, this optical synchronization has a large range of power operation, i.e. high sensitivity of synchronization, from -21.40 dBm to -8.23 dBm, as well as a large frequency-locking range of 190 MHz.     

Numerical simulation of a dual frequency all-optical flip-flop based on a nonlinear semiconductor distributed feedback laser structure

A new all-optical flip-flop generating light at two different wavelengths λ1 (state "a"), or λ2 (state "b") was suggested. It consists of an active layer and a nonlinear wave-guiding layer. Two parallel nonlinear gratings having different periods and periodic negative nonlinearities exist along the propagation direction in the wave-guiding layer. In state "a," the first grating provides the optical feedback for lasing, and the second grating is weak. In state "b," due to optical nonlinearity, the first grating weakens, and the second one provides the optical feedback for lasing. The refractive index nonlinearity is due to the direct absorption of photons at the Urbach tail. The device is triggered from state "a" to state "b" and vise versa by input optical pulses of wavelengths λ2 and λ1, respectively. The time domain simulations show switching dynamics in nanosecond time scale.     

The defect mode in a low-dimensional waveguide microwave photonic crystal

It is shown that the violation of periodicity in a low-dimensional waveguide microwave photonic crystal, in which the periodic structure is formed by dielectric layers and adjacent metal plates partly overlapping the waveguide cross section and forming capacitive gaps between the plate edge and wide wall of the waveguide, leads to the appearance of a defect (impurity) mode. It is established that the defect mode position on the frequency scale significantly depends on both the thickness of “disturbed” dielectric layer and the capacitive gap width of diaphragms.

     

Light extraction efficiency enhancement of GaN-based light emitting diodes on n-GaN layer using a SiO2 photonic quasi-crystal overgrowth

In this paper, GaN-based LEDs with a SiO2 photonic quasi-crystal (PQC) pattern on an n-GaN layer by nano-imprint lithography (NIL) are fabricated and investigated. At a driving current of 20 mA on Transistor Outline (TO)-can package, the better light output power of LED III (d = 1.2 microm) was enhanced by a factor of 1.20. After 1000 h life test (55 degrees C/50 mA) condition, Normalized output power of LED with a SiO2 PQC pattern (LED III (d = 1.2 microm)) on an n-GaN layer only decreased by 5%. This results offer promising potential to enhance the light output power of commercial light-emitting devices using the technique of nano-imprint lithography.     

Extension of distance measurement range in a sinusoidal wavelength-scanning interferometer using a liquid-crystal wavelength filter with double feedback control

The optical path difference (OPD) and amplitude of a sinusoidal wavelength scanning (SWS) are controlled with a double feedback control system in an interferometer, so that a ruler marking every wavelength and a ruler with scales smaller than a wavelength are generated. These two rulers enable us to measure an OPD longer than a wavelength. A liquid-crystal Fabry-Perot interferometer (LC-FPI) is adopted as a wavelength-scanning device, and double sinusoidal phase modulation is incorporated in the SWS interferometer. Because of a high resolution of the LC-FPI, the upper limit of the measurement range can be extended to 280 microm by the use of the phase lock where the amplitude of the SWS is doubled in the feedback control. The ruler marking every wavelength is generated between 80 microm and 280 microm, and distances are measured with a high accuracy of the order of a nanometer in real time.     

Strain analysis at notch root in laser welded samples using material properties of individual weld zones

This paper presents results of the strain analysis at a notch root in a laser-welded joint subjected to cyclically variable stresses. The examined welds were made of S355JR (PN-EN 10025-2) ferritic steel. A theoretical analysis of strain was performed using cyclic material properties determined for individual weld zones. For the purpose of comparison, values of strains at a notch root were also determined using base metal properties. Experimental verification of determined strain values was performed using the laser grating interferometry method. Cyclic variations of material properties for base metal and welded joint zones were determined as per the standard and the methodology presented in previous study and described with the Ramberg–Osgood relationship. The above material properties were used to calculate strain at the root of two types of geometric notches machined in a laser-welded joint. Analytical calculations were performed using the Neuber’s rule, while numerical calculations with the use of the finite element method by means of the ABAQUS software.Test results confirmed good efficiency of the numerical strain analysis using cyclic material properties of the individual weld zones in low cycle fatigue.     

Sum-frequency mixing of radiation from two extended-cavity laser diodes using a doubly resonant external cavity for laser cooling of trapped ytterbium ions

Over 100 μW of continuous-wave tunable ultraviolet radiation at 370 nm is generated by the sum-frequency mixing of radiation from two extended-cavity laser diodes having powers of 60 mW at 822 nm and 8 mW at 671 nm in a lithium iodate crystal. The crystal is placed in an external cavity that enhances the powers of two fundamental beams simultaneously by approximately 40. This light source is successfully applied to the laser cooling of trapped ytterbium ions.     

Development of a spectrometer using a continuous wave distributed feedback quantum cascade laser operating at room temperature for the simultaneous analysis of N2O and CH4 in the Earth's atmosphere

We report on the development and performance of a gas sensor based on a distributed feedback quantum cascade laser operating in continuous wave at room temperature for simultaneous measurement of nitrous oxide (N(2)O) and methane (CH(4)) concentrations at ground level. The concentrations of the gases are determined by a long path infrared diode laser absorption spectroscopy. The long-term stability of the instrument is evaluated using the Allan variance technique. A preliminary evaluation of the instrument performance is realized by in situ measurements of N(2)O and CH(4) concentrations at ground level during 1 day. The sensor has also been applied to study the time response of N(2)O concentrations to a fertilizer addition in a soil sample and for the comparison between various types of soils.     

Effects of optical feedback in a birefringence-Zeeman dual frequency laser at high optical feedback levels

Optical feedback effects are studied in a birefringence-Zeeman dual frequency laser at high optical feedback levels. The intensity modulation features of the two orthogonally polarized lights are investigated in both isotropic optical feedback (IOF) and polarized optical feedback (POF). In IOF, the intensities of both beams are modulated simultaneously, and four zones, i.e., the e-light zone, the o-light and e-light zone, the o-light zone, and the no-light zone, are formed in a period corresponding to a half laser wavelength displacement of the feedback mirror. In POF, the two orthogonally polarized lights will oscillate alternately. Strong mode competition can be observed, and it affects the phase difference between the two beams greatly. The theoretical analysis is presented, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. The potential use of the experimental results is also discussed.     

Tunable microwave generation based on a dual-wavelength single-longitudinal-mode fiber laser using a phase-shifted grating on a triangular cantilever

Frequency tunable microwave signal generation, based on a dual-wavelength single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) erbium-doped fiber (EDF) laser, incorporating a phase-shifted fiber Bragg grating (PS-FBG) with two π-phase shifts, is demonstrated. In the proposed configuration, the PS-FBG with two ultranarrow transmission bands is embedded in a triangular cantilever to serve as a wavelength spacing tunable filter with a fixed center wavelength by applying various strains on the cantilever. A section of unpumped EDF is employed as a saturable absorber to ensure SLM operation in each of the two lasing lines. By beating the two wavelengths at a photodiode, a tunable microwave signal ranging from 8.835 to 24.360 GHz is successfully achieved.