Abstract

A new technique for the external frequency translation of light waves is proposed. The technique enables the stepwise sweeping of an optical frequency in time over a wide range. The frequency translator is composed of an optical pulse modulator and an optical ring circuit that contains an acousto-optic frequency shifter and an optical amplifier. The pulse launched into the ring circuit undergoes a frequency shift for each complete trip around the ring circuit, and the frequency is translated considerably from the original input pulse. We confirm a frequency translation of as much as 8 GHz for a 1.5-μm light wave, in which the sweeping is strictly linear with respect to time.

© 1992 Optical Society of America

Frequency translation of light waves by propagation around an optical ring circuit containing a frequency shifter: l. Experiment

Kaoru Shimizu, Tsuneo Horiguchi, and Yahei Koyamada
Appl. Opt. 32(33) 6718-6726 (1993)

Frequency translation of light waves by propagation around an optical ring circuit containing a frequency shifter: II. Theoretical analysis

Kaoru Shimizu, Tsuneo Horiguchi, and Yahei Koyamada
Appl. Opt. 33(15) 3209-3219 (1994)

Frequency-difference stabilization of distributed-feedback laser diodes by use of an optical frequency translation circuit

Kaoru Shimizu, Tsuneo Horiguchi, and Yahei Koyamada
Opt. Lett. 18(21) 1819-1821 (1993)

Tunable fiber frequency shifter that uses an all-fiber ring resonator

K. Kalli and D. A. Jackson
Opt. Lett. 17(17) 1243-1245 (1992)

Absolute frequency synthesis of pulsed coherent light waves through phase-modulation active optical feedback

Kaoru Shimizu, Tsuneo Horiguchi, and Yahei Koyamada
Opt. Lett. 21(22) 1824-1826 (1996)