激光器内腔频差对双折射外腔激光回馈系统输出影响的理论及实验研究

玻璃材料的内应力关系及所在系统的稳定性、安全性和可靠性,是精密加工领域的重要问题.基于双折射外腔激光回馈效应的应力测量技术以其先进新颖的测量原理受到普遍关注.传统理论普遍认为双折射回馈系统中激光器的输出相位仅由外腔相位延迟决定,而将测量误差归因于外腔镜的非线性运动.本文结合正交偏振激光原理和三镜腔等效模型,测量了激光器的内腔双折射引起的频差大小,进行了频率调谐回馈实验,并根据结论计算了内腔频差对外腔相位延迟测量结果的影响,发现激光器的输出相位由外腔相位延迟、内腔频差、外腔长度共同决定.本文总结了内腔和外腔各向异性共同作用下激光器正交偏振态的相位特性,补充了激光回馈的物理内容,对于应力-双折射、位移、距离等重要参量的精确测量,都具有重要指导意义.     

External-cavity birefringence feedback effects of microchip Nd:YAG laser and its application in angle measurement

External-cavity birefringence feedback effects of the microchip Nd:YAG laser are presented. When a birefringence element is placed in the external feedback cavity of the laser, two orthogonally polarized laser beams with a phase difference are output. The phase difference is twice as large as the phase retardation in the external cavity along the two orthogonal directions. The variable extra-cavity birefringence, caused by rotation of the external-cavity birefringence element, results in tunable phase difference between the two orthogonally polarized beams. This means that the roll angle information has been translated to phase difference of two output laser beams. A theoretical analysis based on the Fabry--Perot cavity equivalent model and refractive index ellipsoid is presented, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. This phenomenon has potential applications for roll angle measurement.     

Anisotropic optical feedback of single frequency intra-cavity He--Ne laser

This paper presents the anisotropic optical feedback of a single frequency intra-cavity He--Ne laser. A novel phenomenon was discovered that the laser output an elliptical polarized frequency instead of the initial linear polarized one. Two intensities with a phase difference were detected, both of which were modulated in the form of cosine wave and a fringe shift corresponds to a λ/2 movement of the feedback mirror. The phase difference can be continuously modulated by the wave plate in the external cavity. Frequency stabilization was used to stabilize the laser frequency so as to enlarge the measuring range and improve the measurement precision. This anisotropic optical feedback system offers a potential displacement measurement technology with the function of subdivision of λ/2 and in-time direction judgment. The three-mirror Fabry--Perot cavity model is used to present the experimental results. Given the lack of need of lasing adjustment, this full intra-cavity laser can significantly improve the simplicity and stability of the optical feedback system.     

窄线宽、高光束质量的外腔双反馈激光二极管阵列

设计了一种离轴双反馈外腔能够有效地改善激光二极管阵列的线宽和光束质量。闪耀光栅和高反镜之间形成了一个共振腔。通过调整光栅和高反镜之间的倾角可以选定一个空间模在共振腔中放大。将一个半波片插入外腔中的光栅反馈支路,来控制反馈光的数量,激光从光栅反馈支路输出。运用这项技术,在工作电流16 A,可以把激光二极管阵列的输出线宽压缩到0.15 nm,光束束宽积减小到283 mm·mrad。由于光栅的锁定作用,中心波长几乎不随温度的变化而改变。在工作电流17 A时,输出激光的功率为2.44 W,斜率效率为0.5 W/A。     

External optical feedback effects in a frequency locking dual frequency laser

We present a systematic study of external optical feedback effects on the output characteristics of the two orthogonally polarized modes in a frequency locking dual frequency laser. Accompanied by the change of the external cavity length, the length of the resonance cavity is changed very slowly to set the oscillating modes sweeping across the laser gain curve. Comprehensive results are obtained and a strong mode competition is observed. Particularly, when the laser runs in the middle region of the gain curve, which mode can oscillate is determined by the movement direction of the external feedback mirror. Based on the phenomenon, a displacement sensor with directional discrimination is proposed and its capability is also discussed.     

Switching of the polarization state of a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser using polarized feedback

We show that the light of a commercial vertical cavity surface-emitting laser with polarized optical feedback can be switched between two linear polarization eigenstates. The flip occurs when the feedback phase is scanned by either the external cavity length or the injection current.     

外腔延时反馈半导体激光器混沌偏振可调控制方法研究

提出外腔延时反馈半导体激光器混沌偏振可调控制方法,分别建立了垂直正交偏振延时双反馈、同偏振面方向延时双反馈以及任意可调偏振延时双反馈激光动力学物理模型. 通过调节激光器外腔光路中的平面镜和光衰减器可控制一平面偏振反馈光的延时时间及光反馈量,或调节一偏振反馈光的偏振面到另一个偏振反馈光的偏振面方向上或者到任意偏振方向都可进行激光混沌控制. 数值结果证明该方法可以控制激光混沌到单周期态、多周期态等,还发现该控制可使激光器同时呈现偏振周期振荡、偏振反周期振荡、稳定三种动力学行为等. 关键词： 混沌 控制 激光器 偏振     

Polarization switching in a quasi-isotropic microchip Nd:YAG laser induced by optical feedback

This paper demonstrates the influence of external optical feedback on the polarization state of longitudinal modes in quasi-isotropic microchip Nd:YAG lasers. Under optical feedback, the polarization state of longitudinal modes in quasi-isotropic lasers relies strongly on the intracavity anisotropy loss and mode competition. When the intracavity anisotropy loss is small, external optical feedback can cause polarization switching and strong mode competition between two orthogonal linearly polarized eigenstates of one laser longitudinal mode, which leads to the distortion of laser intensity modulation waveform. The polarization switching is independent of the initial external cavity length. By increasing the intracavity anisotropy loss, one polarization eigenstate can be suppressed and the laser works in single-polarization state. A theoretical analysis based on the compound cavity model is presented, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. The results offer guidance to the development of laser feedback interferometers.     

激光二极管自混合干涉的计算分析和实验观察

实验上观察到自混合干涉信号的幅度仅仅为静态光强的百分之几.反馈光会引起激光二极管阈值电流减小,静态输出光强变化几倍,使激光二极管工作在实际的阈值电流之上.按三镜法布里-珀罗腔结构模型计算激光二极管的出射光强,由干涉函数主极大条件得出光频与反馈光的关系.计算出的自混合干涉信号的波形,以及自混合干涉信号的幅度与静态光强的比值均同实验测量结果一致.在τrC/τ1=22.8的情况下,复合谐振腔可同时有15个谐振模式,这些模随外腔长度的变化小于2.6×10-2cm-1,远小于法布里-珀罗谐振腔谐振模的线宽3.1cm-1,光频在内腔谐振模的线宽以内变化.     

Low-Frequency Fluctuation and Frequency-Locking in Semiconductor Lasers with Long External Cavity Feedback

The properties of low-frequency fluctuations in semiconductor lasers with optical feedback from a long external cavity are experimentally studied. Frequency-locking of the laser light output to the injection current modulation is observed when the modulation frequency approaches the external cavity mode. The modulation frequency for the successful frequency-locking is always less than the external cavity mode frequency and the locking domains as a function of the modulation amplitude is asymmetric with respect to the frequency detuning.     

Output response in orthogonal directions of a He–Ne laser caused by birefringent-external-cavity feedback

The output responses of phase, amplitude, and polarization of light intensity of a He–Ne laser with the birefringent external cavity are presented. All phenomena are observed in two orthogonal directions related to the birefringent element’s orientation, and are studied under weak optical feedback. Experiments are carried out in five available detecting positions. It is found that laser intensities are modulated in the two orthogonal directions simultaneously, with a phase difference dominated by the phase retardation of the birefringence element. The modulation amplitudes are different in the two directions. A special polarization phenomenon is also observed and discussed. This research may provide a potential novel measuring principle for transparent birefringent materials.     

Single high-order round-trip feedback effects in orthogonally polarized dual frequency laser

We present the effects of single high-order round-trip feedback in orthogonally polarized dual frequency laser. The high quality intensity fringes of two orthogonally polarized lights are obtained, which are cosine-like. The fringe frequency of a single high-order round-trip feedback is five times that of the conventional optical feedback. Even higher frequencies are possible with this setup. Particularly, there is a phase difference between two orthogonal polarized lights in single high-order round-trip feedback and the phase difference is determined by the feedback order, the length of the external cavity, and the frequency difference of the two orthogonal polarized lights. A theoretical analysis based on a compound cavity model of a dual frequency laser agrees well with the experimental results. These results provide a potential application in precision measurement with both directional discrimination and high optical resolution.     

Generation and Modulation of Phase Difference of Output Intensities in a Feedback Nd:YAG Laser with an Extracavity Waveplate Rotated

External anisotropic feedback effects on the phase difference behaviour of output intensities in a microchip Nd：YAG laser are presented. By rotating a quarter wave plate placed in the external cavity, the angle between laser initial polarization direction and o-axis of the wave plate is tuned from -45°to 45°, which results in variable extra-cavity birefringence along two orthogonal detection directions. With only one optical path and one wave plate, laser intensities of the two orthogonal directions, both modulated by the external cavity length, are output with a tunable phase difference, which can be continuously changed from zero to twice as large as that of the waveplate. Experimental results as well as a theoretical analysis based on Fabry-Perot cavity equivalent model and the refractive index ellipsoid, are presented. The potential applications of this phenomenon are also discussed.     

Polarization properties in a prism laser gyro with mechanical dither bias

<正>Theoretical analysis and experimental research on the polarization properties of output light in gyro are carried out to investigate the phenomenon that the amplitude of an output voltage signal is modulated by dither bias in laser gyros consisting of totally reflecting prisms.Taking the effect of prism stress birefringence into account,an analytical formula of the output light intensity in the gyro and the relationship between the polarization parameter and the amplitude modulation of the output signal are obtained and discussed.For the first time,the polarized power value of the output light is adopted as a basis to estimate the output signal amplitude fading extent of laser gyros.Experimental results demonstrate that when the value of polarized power of output light is below 25.5%of that in ideal static case,the standard error is over 0.0337 dBm,and the displacement extent of the prism is higher than 53%of the radius of the beam waist in the gyro cavity,the amplitude modulation extent of gyro output signal can reach up to 16%,which badly influences the measurement accuracy of the laser gyro.Using this polarized power detecting measurement method can repair the gyro immediately during its fabrication process,improve the testing and production efficiency and shorten the product development cycle.     

Optical feedback characteristics in a helium neon laser with a birefringent internal cavity

The output characteristics of optical feedback in a helium neon laser with a birefringent internal cavity are studied systematically in five different regions of the gain curve for the two orthogonally polarized modes. When the laser operates in the two end regions of the laser gain curve, one of the two orthogonally polarized modes will be a leading one in optical feedback. Strong mode competition can be observed. However, when the laser operates in the middle region of the laser gain curve, the two modes can oscillate equally with optical feedback. Besides the intensity of the two polarized lights, the total light intensity is also studied at the same time. M-shaped optical feedback curves are found. Particularly, when the average intensities of the two lights are comparable, the intensity modulation curve of the total light is doubled, which can be used to improve the resolution of an optical feedback system.[第一段]     

Modes competition in a dual modes HeNe laser with optical feedback

The optical feedback characteristics in a short cavity dual modes HeNe laser are studied under different modes strength condition. Modes competition can be obviously observed during optical feedback. The whole laser intensity curve has intensity branches and its leaning direction is related to the moving direction of the external feedback mirror. There are two cross points at different voltage levels between the two orthogonally polarized lights in a period of the optical feedback fringe and the order that the cross points come out is different when the feedback mirror moves at different direction which can be used for direction discrimination. Sometimes there are two peaks of the same size in a period of the optical feedback curve which can be used to improve the resolution of an optical feedback system.     

Quasi-common-path microchip laser feedback interferometry with a high stability and accuracy

We report on an improved scheme of quasi-common-path microchip laser feedback interferometry, which demonstrates a high stability and accuracy. An additional beam splitter is used to divide the external cavity into a measuring feedback cavity and a reference feedback cavity. With this scheme, the optical path lengths of the measuring and reference feedback light can be made nearly the same, thus greatly reducing the long-period phase fluctuation caused by the laser frequency drift. The final system performances are evaluated as followed: the short-term displacement resolution is better than 2 nm, the output fluctuation is less than 10 nm within a 40-min-long stability test, and the maximum error within the 100-μm range is 25 nm when calibrated with the Agilent 5529A dual-frequency laser interferometer.     

Dynamics of Semiconductor Lasers with Optical Feedback from Photorefractive Phase Conjugate Mirror

The dynamics of semiconductor lasers with photorefractive phase conjugate optical feedback are experimentally studied. Photorefractive fringes considered here are rather static compared with time fluctuations of laser output power. Therefore, it is expected that a semiconductor laser with photorefractive feedback shows similar dynamics to those with conventional optical feedback. We examine relaxation oscillation and external cavity modes of laser output power in the presence of photorefractive phase conjugate feedback. It is proved that the dynamics of photorefractive phase conjugate feedback are fundamentally the same as those of conventional optical feedback.     

腔调谐过程中激光器中两垂直偏振光的回馈特性

腔调谐过程中同时对HeNe激光器进行光回馈，设定回馈镜驱动信号的周期远小于腔调谐信号的周期，此时便获得腔调谐过程中谐振腔中两垂直偏振光的回馈信号. 回馈的形式分为仅垂直光回馈、仅平行光回馈以及两光同时回馈三种情况. 当两光同时回馈时，两模式间的模竞争较弱，两光回馈曲线有一定的相位差，该相位差小于180°，两光总体波动幅度变化趋势相反. 当仅单偏振光回馈时，两模式间的模竞争较强，两光回馈曲线始终反相，而且两光波动幅度变化趋势相同，此时可以将两光强度信号相减以实现成倍提高回馈信号幅度，从而提高系统灵敏度. 尤其仅垂直光回馈时，两光各自光强波动幅值都较大，并且在较大的增益曲线范围内保持光强波动幅值无明显变化，该特性可用于提高回馈系统的抗干扰能力，减少因激光功率漂移而引起的错误计数. 关键词： 自混合干涉 光回馈 模竞争 位移测量     

激光回馈引起的微片Nd:YAG激光器频差调制

微片激光器由于自身的内应力会输出频率分裂的正交偏振的两个模式.研究了回馈对微片激光器频差的影响.研究发现:在回馈的作用下微片激光器的频差大小呈现出以初始频差为中心的类正弦的频差调制,周期为λ/2;频差调制曲线的幅度与回馈水平成正比,但是当回馈水平过强时会出现偏振态跳变,从而使频差消失;在一定的回馈外腔范围内,频差调制曲线的幅度与初始频差亦成正比.并利用复合腔模型和激光器的自洽理论进行了理论分析和模拟,所得结果与实验结果相符.此调制现象在精密测量领域有潜在应用.