Title :
A Simplified Fabry–PÉrot Electrooptic-Modulation Sensor
Author :
Lee, D.J. ; Whitaker, J.F.
Author_Institution :
Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor
fDate :
5/15/2008 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
A simplified electrooptic (EO)-sensing system that employs a wavelength-tunable laser diode and an EO-crystal microcavity is presented. A theoretical model simulating a Fabry-Perot-based Pockels-effect probe demonstrates that both the EO phase retardation and modulation-efficiency slope of the optical system can be resonantly enhanced. Consequently, it predicts that electric-field measurements are possible using a configuration that eliminates the polarizer, analyzer, and quarter-wave retarder of typical EO intensity modulators. An experimental verification of the concept is presented using thin, uncoated, LiTaO crystals, and an EO modulation signal that is 60 dB above the system noise floor obtained.
Keywords :
Fabry-Perot interferometers; Fabry-Perot resonators; Pockels effect; electro-optical devices; fibre optic sensors; lithium compounds; semiconductor lasers; Fabry-Perot electrooptic modulation sensor; LiTaO3; Pockels effect; electric field measurement; electrooptic effect; electrooptic-crystal microcavity; wavelength tunable laser diode; Diode lasers; Electrooptic devices; Electrooptic modulators; Microcavities; Optical modulation; Optical retarders; Optical sensors; Phase modulation; Probes; Resonance; Electric-field measurement; Fabry–PÉrot resonators; electrooptic (EO) effects; electrooptic (EO) modulation;
Journal_Title :
Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE
DOI :
10.1109/LPT.2008.921127
