Researchers at NIST have developed a more robust fiber laser frequency comb that can operate effectively even in the presence of strong vibrations. Traditional fiber laser combs are sensitive to vibrations, which can disrupt their phase-locking and cause them to lose coherence or stop functioning altogether. This new design uses a “figure-8” polarization-maintaining fiber laser, which is more stable and resistant to vibration. It also includes a high-bandwidth phase modulator that helps maintain phase-locking even under intense movement, making it suitable for use in real-world environments.
This advancement is a key step toward creating frequency combs that can be used outside of controlled laboratory settings, such as in field applications or on moving platforms. The technology could have a significant impact on areas like spectroscopy, metrology, and communications, where reliable and stable optical sources are needed. The research was published in *Optics Letters* in 2009 and represents an important milestone in making frequency combs more practical for everyday use.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2009/04/vibrationally-robust-fiber-laser-frequency-comb
Keywords: optical frequency combs, fiber laser, phase-locked
