Fiber frequency combs for the real world

April 6, 2016 – h 11:00

Blue Room – TeCIP Institute

Abstract: We introduce ultra-low phase noise fiber frequency combs and their application potential in RF technology and optical communications.

Optimized Er fiber combs allow for a record phase noise level of 30 mrad, in conjunction with low RIN noise satisfying the requirements for low phase noise microwave generation via frequency division. We will discuss the expected performance of such comb based RF systems and will address related topics such as the benefits short optical pulses and optical versus RF amplifiers in RF photonics.

We also discuss how low noise frequency combs can be used as reference oscillators to reduce the phase noise of frequency combs induced via electro-optic phase modulation as relevant for future optical communication systems. Finally, using OPGaP as a highly nonlinear frequency converter, high power low noise frequency combs covering the optical fingerprint region from 3 – 12 µm can be demonstrated, opening new opportunities for robust comb based spectroscopy systems.

Short Bio: Martin Fermann received his Ph.D. from Southampton University, U. K. in 1988. After spending 4 years as a postdoc and research associate at the Technical University of Vienna and Bellcore, he joined IMRA America Inc. in 1992. In 2001 he accepted a position as CTO at Boston Laser before rejoining IMRA in 2002, where he is currently serving as Vice President for Research and Advanced Development. He has been an author or co-author of around 350 technical papers and conference presentations and around 150 US patents and applications. Many of his patents have been licensed by third parties. He has been active in the committees of numerous technical conferences and served as General Chair for the Conference on Advanced Solid State Lasers. His main interests comprise ultrafast optics, frequency combs, precision spectroscopy and metrology, fiber and solid-state lasers. He is a fellow of the Optical Society of America.