Generation of frequency-tunable light and frequency reference grids using diode lasers for one-petahertz optical frequency sweep generator

Generation of frequency-tunable light and frequency reference grids in a wide frequency span for a diode laser based optical frequency sweep generator has been performed. Frequency tuning and noise characteristics in nonlinear frequency conversions have been discussed. By using AlGaAs, InGaAsP lasers and their frequency conversions in the type II angle phase-matching KTP crystal, highly coherent frequency-tunable outputs have been obtained from 600 THz (0.5 /spl mu/m) to 170 THz (1.7 /spl mu/m). Use of the DFB lasers ensures the continuous tuning with a frequency range as wide as 1 THz. Atomic potassium and molecular iodine absorption resonances have been employed as frequency references for stabilizing the frequencies of lasers and the generated light with the frequency stability of 10/sup -9/-10/sup -10/. Optical frequency COMB94 generation has been realized at the 0.8 /spl mu/m wavelength with a two-sided sidebands span of 4 THz. We have also proposed and demonstrated specific frequency-tunable systems based on sum and difference-generations of diode lasers.<
>