Narrow-Linewidth Laser Linewidth Measurement Technology

A narrow-linewidth laser with excellent temporal coherence is an important light source for microphysics, space detection, and high-precision measurement. An ultranarrow-linewidth output with a linewidth as narrow as subhertz has been generated with a theoretical coherence length over millions of kilometers. Traditional grating spectrum measurement technology has a wide wavelength scanning range and an extended dynamic range, but the spectral resolution can only reach the gigahertz level. The spectral resolution of a high-precision Fabry–Pérot interferometer can only reach the megahertz level. With the continuous improvement of laser coherence, the requirements for laser linewidth measurement technology are increasing, which also promotes the rapid development of narrow-linewidth lasers and their applications. In this article, narrow-linewidth measurement methods and their research progress are reviewed to provide a reference for researchers engaged in the development, measurement, and applications of narrow-linewidth lasers.

A Polarization-Insensitive Recirculating Delayed Self-Heterodyne Method for Sub-Kilohertz Laser Linewidth Measurement

A polarization-insensitive recirculating delayed self-heterodyne method (PI-RDSHM) is proposed and demonstrated for the precise measurement of sub-kilohertz laser linewidths. By a unique combination of Faraday rotator mirrors (FRMs) in an interferometer, the polarization-induced fading is effectively reduced without any active polarization control. This passive polarization-insensitive operation is theoretically analyzed and experimentally verified. Benefited from the recirculating mechanism, a series of stable beat spectra with different delay times can be measured simultaneously without changing the length of delay fiber. Based on Voigt profile fitting of high-order beat spectra, the average Lorentzian linewidth of the laser is obtained. The PI-RDSHM has advantages of polarization insensitivity, high resolution, and less statistical error, providing an effective tool for accurate measurement of sub-kilohertz laser linewidth.