Arbitrary laser frequency modulation algorithm based on iterative on-the-fly deconvolution

TL;DR

This paper introduces a versatile laser modulation control algorithm capable of implementing arbitrary modulation patterns through iterative on-the-fly deconvolution, demonstrated with FMCW and square wave schemes.

Contribution

It presents a novel iterative algorithm for real-time laser transfer function inference applicable to any modulation pattern, including complex waveforms.

Findings

Successful implementation of the algorithm with an external-cavity diode laser

Accurate matching of the frequency response with targeted modulation patterns

Effective application to both FMCW and high-bandwidth square wave modulations

Abstract

I present a general laser modulation control algorithm. I implement the LIDAR Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) scheme as a special case of study. My proposal applies to any arbitrary modulation pattern and is based on an iterative algorithm that infers the laser transfer function in order to perform on-the-fly deconvolution. I present an experimental proof-of-principle using an external-cavity diode laser, the accuracy of which I analyse by comparing the obtained frequency response with a targeted modulation pattern. In addition to the FMCW scheme, I am also testing square wave modulations, which are more demanding in terms of bandwidth.