Rapid-scanned and self-corrected repetition rates enabled in a bidirectional polarization-multiplexed fiber laser

TL;DR

This paper introduces a bidirectional polarization-multiplexed fiber laser capable of rapid, reference-free repetition rate scanning with high robustness and coherence, suitable for versatile optical-radio frequency applications.

Contribution

It presents a novel all polarization-maintaining fiber laser design enabling fast, wide-range, reference-free repetition rate scanning with high stability and coherence.

Findings

Achieved 493.5 kHz/s scanning rate over 329 kHz range.

Minimal variation in difference frequency over 1 hour and 1 day.

Demonstrated recovery after mode hopping.

Abstract

Repetition-rate-scanned lasers are practical in accordion frequency comb generation that serves as a variable gearbox connecting optical and radio wave domains. Rapid and wide-range scanned repetition rate can benefit versatile purposes, however scanning robustness remains unsecured that typically requires complicated feedback loops. Recently, multiplexed lasers have been demonstrated with the nature of common-noise rejection among simultaneously emitted combs. Here, we propose a bidirectional polarization-multiplexed fiber laser that delivers synchronized pulses with rapid-scanned and reference-free repetition rates. Benefiting from the all polarization-maintaining fiber configuration, the laser shows good robustness and inter-comb coherence. As rapid as 493.5 kHz/s scanning rate over 329-kHz scanning range of fundamental repetition rate is realized. The 1-hour and 1-day maximal variations of difference frequency are merely 0.52 Hz and 5.46 Hz. The capability to rebuilt steady state after mode hopping is also demonstrated. These results provide a promising solution for developing high-performance accordion-frequency laser sources.