ABSTRACT
We report on what is, to our knowledge, one of the first realizations of a CBC (coherent beam combining)-based laser emitter carrying a 10.66 Gb/s telecom signal in free-space optics, within the laboratory environment. Two telecom modulations have been tested: NRZ (non-return-to-zero, in amplitude) and DPSK (differential phase-shift keying, in phase). The modulated signal is split and amplified in three fiber amplifiers, delivering up to 3 W each. CBC of data amplified signals is achieved with residual phase errors well below < λ/60 RMS, using a phase-tagging technique (LOCSET). A first analysis of the influence of various parameters (such as phase-tagging modulation depth, optical path difference, number of channels, amplifier power) on the locking and data transmission quality is investigated. The study shows that the phase-tagging modulation depth and optical path difference are the main critical issues when carrying data on a CBC signal.
ABSTRACT
A laser testbed based on active coherent beam combination (CBC) of seven 1.5 µm, 3 W fiber amplifiers was developed for applications requiring high power such as power density deposition on targets or free space laser communication. For the first time to our knowledge, the frequency-tagging locking of optical coherence by single-detector electronic-frequency tagging technique was implemented in the field in real atmospheric turbulence conditions in a target-in-the-loop configuration. Successful combination was achieved after horizontal propagation of 311 m and 1 km, at 1.5 m above the ground, while the estimated average turbulence strength was Cn2â¼4.10-14m-2/3. We present the CBC laser bench and an embedded near-field interferometer called PISTIL (PISton and TILt) able to measure the relative phase shift of each emitter. We show that this measurement can provide information on relative turbulence-induced phase variation of the combined laser beams. In particular, the far-field beam envelope wandering can be estimated through this diagnosis. Results are supported by an analytical model and confirmed by numerical post-analysis of measured far-field interference. This additional interferometer may improve CBC beam pointing through turbulence.
ABSTRACT
We report what is, to the best of our knowledge, the first experimental demonstration of coherent combining of two mid-infrared difference frequency generators by active phase control in the continuous-wave regime. Using the phase relation that is inherent to the nonlinear process, we are able to phase lock and combine the idler waves by the sole phase control of one of the pump waves. This control is done by an all-fiber electro-optic modulator. Combining is achieved with an excellent efficiency with a residual phase error of λ/28.
ABSTRACT
Coherent beam combining by active phase control could be useful for power scaling fiber-laser-pumped optical frequency converters. However, a fast phase modulator operating at the frequency-converted wavelength, a non-standard component, would be necessary. Fortunately, nonlinear conversion processes rely on a phase-matching condition allowing for indirect phase control using standard phase modulators. In this Letter, coherent combining of second-harmonic generators is demonstrated in both birefringent and quasi-phase-matching schemes in CW regime. Phase control operates at the fundamental wavelength, using all-fiber electro-optic modulators. An excellent beam combination is achieved with a residual phase error of λ/30 on the second-harmonic wave.
ABSTRACT
The possibility of creating filaments with laser wavelengths ranging from 800 nm to 2.4 µm was investigated using an OPA laser system. Zinc Selenide's (ZnSe) unique characteristics - small band gap E(gZnSe)=2.67eV and positive dispersion for this wavelength range - are well suited for filamentation study where multi-photon absorption can be achieved with two to six photons.
ABSTRACT
We demonstrate for the first time the possibility to generate long plasma channels up to a distance of 1 km, using the terawatt femtosecond T&T laser facility. The plasma density was optimized by adjusting the chirp, the focusing and beam diameter. The interaction of filaments with transparent and opaque targets was studied.
