Device and method for optical spectrum measurement
AssigneePilot Photonics Ltd.
InventorsFrank Smyth, Jules Braddell
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Abstract
A device for measuring optical spectra at high speed and with high resolution using tunable optical laser comb sources. In one embodiment there is provided a first tunable comb laser source and a second tunable comb laser source whereby the wavelength of each comb laser source is chosen such that the combination of the two sources provides a continuous spectral coverage over a band in an optical spectrum under a selected wavelength tuning condition. By overlapping the two comb sources in the manner described the deadzone issue is overcome in the most spectrally efficient way possible.
Claims16
A device comprising a first tunable comb laser source and a second tunable comb laser source whereby the wavelength of each comb laser source is chosen such that the combination of the two sources provides a continuous spectral coverage over a band in an optical spectrum under a selected wavelength tuning condition,
- wherein the wavelength of each comb is a fixed wavelength and the output of each comb source is split into two bands using an optical splitter and at least one optical filter such that only a limited number of comb laser lines on either side of the central wavelength of either comb is present at an output,
- wherein the output of the combined comb lasers, the optical splitter and the optical filter for each laser source are recombined using an optical coupler such that four bands of optical comb laser lines together operate as an output signal as a single comb source with no gaps in the coverage of the optical spectrum band under a selected tuning condition.
A method of providing a continuous spectral coverage comprising the steps of:
- configuring a first tunable comb laser source;
- configuring a second tunable comb laser source;
- selecting a wavelength of each comb laser source such that the combination of the two comb laser sources provide a continuous spectral coverage over a band in an optical spectrum under a selected tuning condition;
- and
- providing an output of the combined comb lasers for each laser source and recombining using an optical coupler such that four bands of optical comb laser lines together operate as an output signal as a single comb source under the selected tuning condition.
A device comprising:
- a first tunable comb laser source,
- a second tunable comb laser source,
- an optical splitter, and
- at least one optical filter
- whereby a wavelength of each comb laser source is chosen such that the combination of the first laser source and the second laser source provides a continuous spectral coverage over a band in an optical spectrum under a selected wavelength tuning condition,
- wherein an output of the combined comb lasers, the optical splitter and the optical filter for each laser source are recombined using an optical coupler such that four bands of optical comb laser lines together operate as an output signal as a single comb source under the selected tuning condition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.