Noise performance of a feed-forward scheme for carrier-envelope phase stabilization

The noise performance of a feed-forward scheme for carrier-envelope phase stabilization is discussed. This scheme uses an acousto-optic frequency shifter to directly correct for fluctuations of the carrier-envelope phase in a pulse train emitted by a mode-locked laser without manipulating the intracavity dispersion. Generation of zero-offset frequency combs is demonstrated. Furthermore, it is shown that pump laser noise has only a minor effect on the achievable performance. Limited only by the travel time of the acoustic wave in the shifter, pump laser noise can be corrected up to near-megahertz frequencies, which yields superior noise performance compared to traditional feedback operation. Residual phase jitters down to 45 mrad are experimentally verified.