Dual-polarization microchip laser at 1.53 microm

Two-frequency operation of a composite Er,Yb:glass-LiTaO3 monolithic microlaser is demonstrated at 1.53 microm. The thermo-optic effect of the intracavity birefringent crystal makes it possible to control the wavelengths of the two orthogonal linearly polarized eigenstates. It provides a tunable beat note from 0 to 60 GHz. Direct evaluation of the Lamb-type coupling constant C between the two eigenstates is obtained from a single intensity noise spectrum measurement, yielding values from 0.33 to 0.86, depending on transverse and axial distributions of the eigenstates. Applications to radar and telecommunication systems are discussed.