Frequency-noise sensitivity and amplitude-noise immunity of discriminators based on fringe-side Fabry-Perot cavities

Optical frequency discriminators using fringe-side Fabry-Perot cavities are analyzed studying their sensitivity to laser frequency fluctuations, with particular attention to their amplitude-noise immunity. The frequency responses both to frequency and to amplitude noise were evaluated using transient analysis. Comparisons between different schemes-based on transmission, reflection, or a proper combination of both these signals, and using intensity noise compensation-were carried out, pointing out similarities and differences in their operational properties and performance.