Open AccessNon-linear optoelectronic phase-locked loop for stabilization of opto-millimeter waves: towards a narrow linewidth tunable THz source
Author(s) -
Antoine Rolland,
Goulc'Hen Loas,
Marc Brunel,
Ludovic Frein,
Marc Vallet,
Mehdi Alouini
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.19.017944
Subject(s) - laser linewidth , terahertz radiation , optics , optoelectronics , phase noise , laser , millimeter , materials science , beat (acoustics) , physics
We propose an optoelectronic phase-locked loop concept which enables to stabilize optical beat notes at high frequencies in the mm-wave domain. It relies on the use of a nonlinear-response Mach-Zehnder modulator. This concept is demonstrated at 100 GHz using a two-axis dual-frequency laser turned into a voltage controlled oscillator by means of an intracavity electrooptic crystal. A relative frequency stability better than 10⁻¹¹ is reported. This approach of optoelectronic down conversion opens the way to the realization of continuously tunable ultra-narrow linewidth THz radiation.