The effect of input phase modulation to a phase-sensitive optical amplifier

TL;DR

This paper investigates how input phase and amplitude modulation affect a quantum-noise limited phase-sensitive optical amplifier, introducing a novel diagnostic method to quantify phase modulation caused by device alignment and diffraction effects.

Contribution

It presents a new approach to measure input phase modulation in phase-sensitive optical amplifiers using the amplifier as a diagnostic tool.

Findings

PM depends on AOM alignment

Chopper-induced PM arises from diffraction effects

New method quantifies input phase modulation

Abstract

Many optical applications depend on amplitude modulating optical beams using devices such as acousto-optical modulators (AOMs) or optical choppers. Methods to add amplitude modulation (AM) often inadvertently impart phase modulation (PM) onto the light as well. While this PM is of no consequence to many phase-insensitive applications, phase-sensitive processes can be affected. Here we study the effects of input phase and amplitude modulation on the output of a quantum-noise limited phase-sensitive optical amplifier (PSA) realized in hot $^{85}$Rb vapor. We investigate the dependence of PM on AOM alignment and demonstrate a novel approach to quantifying PM by using the PSA as a diagnostic tool. We then use this method to measure the alignment-dependent PM of an optical chopper which arises due to diffraction effects as the chopper blade passes through the optical beam.