Title :
Coherent FMCW reflectometry using a temperature tuned Nd:YAG ring laser
Author :
Sorin, W.V. ; Donald, D.K. ; Newton, S.A. ; Nazarathy, Moshe
Author_Institution :
Hewlett-Packard Lab., Palo Alto, CA, USA
Abstract :
A long-coherence-length, diode-pumped, monolithic Nd:YAG laser operating at 1.32 mu m is used to perform coherent FMCW (frequency-modulated continuous wave) reflectometry measurements. Compared with semiconductor-based lasers, the low phase noise of the Nd:YAG source offers greatly increased distance range combined with increased sensitivity to optical reflections. Measurement of Rayleigh backscatter from 50 km of fiber is demonstrated with over 60 dB of two-way optical dynamic range. Two-point spatial resolution is demonstrated to be better than 10 cm. This source and coherent measurement technique may have potential for both short and long-haul reflectometry applications.<>
Keywords :
Rayleigh scattering; backscatter; frequency modulation; measurement by laser beam; optical fibres; optical modulation; optical testing; reflectometry; 1.32 micron; 50 km; FMCW reflectometry; Rayleigh backscatter; YAG:Nd; YAl5O12:Nd; coherent measurement technique; coherent reflectometry; diode-pumped; distance range; fibre scattering measurements; frequency-modulated continuous wave; increased sensitivity; long-coherence-length; low phase noise; monolithic Nd:YAG laser; optical reflections; spatial resolution; temperature tuned Nd:YAG ring laser; two-way optical dynamic range; Fiber lasers; Frequency; Laser noise; Laser tuning; Performance evaluation; Reflectometry; Ring lasers; Semiconductor diodes; Semiconductor lasers; Temperature sensors;
Journal_Title :
Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE
