Random-access digitally-tuned optical frequency synthesizer

Abstract

Abstract A digitally tuned optical frequency synthesizer includes a laser control arrangement for tuning the laser (51) over a range of frequencies. The laser is tunable in response to different magnitudes of injected bias current. A digital processor (75) determines bias current values which produce the desired different operating frequencies corresponding to a set of resonant frequencies of a Fabry-Perot resonator (56). Those current values are stored in the digital processor for ready retrieval. During operation, one of the bias current values is retrieved and is applied to the laser. If the laser characteristic curve has drifted, an incremental bias current is determined and is added to the retrieved bias current value. For future use, this new bias current value is stored in the digital processor in place of the originally retrieved bias current value. The digital processor additionally calculates new bias current values for all of the desired frequencies of operation and stores those new values for subsequent selection.

Inventors

• 👤 B. Glance

Bibliographic Details