Ultra-low phase-noise microwave generation using a diode-pumped solid-state laser based frequency comb and a polarization-maintaining pulse interleaver

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates ultra-low phase-noise microwave signals at 9.6 GHz using a diode-pumped solid-state laser frequency comb and a novel polarization-maintaining pulse interleaver, achieving record low noise floors.

Contribution

Introduction of a fibered polarization-maintaining pulse interleaver enabling ultra-low phase-noise microwave generation from diode-pumped solid-state laser frequency combs.

Findings

Achieved a phase-noise floor of -171 dBc/Hz at 9.6 GHz.

Performed direct optical measurement of comb timing jitter.

Identified the main sources of phase-noise limitations.

Abstract

We report ultra-low phase-noise microwave generation at a 9.6 GHz carrier frequency from optical frequency combs based on diode-pumped solid-state lasers emitting at telecom wavelength and referenced to a common cavity-stabilized continuous-wave laser. Using a novel fibered polarization-maintaining pulse interleaver, a single-oscillator phase-noise floor of -171 dBc/Hz has been measured with commercial PIN InGaAs photodiodes, constituting a record for this type of detector. Also, a direct optical measurement of the stabilized frequency combs timing jitter was performed using a balanced optical cross correlator, allowing for an identification of the origin of the current phase-noise limitations in the system.