Open AccessFast wideband source tuning by extra-cavity parametric process
Author(s) -
Bill P.-P. Kuo,
S. Radic
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.18.019930
Subject(s) - decoupling (probability) , parametric statistics , optics , wideband , laser , limit (mathematics) , mixing (physics) , computer science , physics , mathematical analysis , statistics , mathematics , quantum mechanics , control engineering , engineering
Fundamental and practical performance limits of continuously tunable optical sources using extra-cavity mixing process are examined. While the parametric process cannot overcome the fundamental tunable limit set by the uncertainty principle, it offers a new path in overcoming the practical performance limits associated with conventional tunable lasers. Specifically, cavity reconfiguration speed is recognized as a limiting process in all tunable lasers that cannot be circumvented by any conventional approach. Recognizing this barrier, we introduce and experimentally demonstrate a decoupling concept that relies on extra-cavity mixing to increase the tuning speed and range of any tunable laser source.