Search

We analyze theoretically both the fundamental and the technical quantum limitations of the sensitivity of a passive resonant optical gyroscope based on a high finesse monolithic optical microcavity. We show that the quantum back action associated with the resonantly enhanced optical cross- and self-phase modulation results in the standard quantum limit of the angle random walk of the gyroscope, which reaches approximately 0.2 deg/hr 1/2 for a millimeter scale CaF 2 whispering gallery mode resonator based device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study theoretically and demonstrate experimentally generation of coherent optical frequency combs in a sapphire whispering gallery mode resonator. We verify phase locking of the comb harmonics by demodulating the comb on a fast photodiode and by observing the production of a spectrally pure radio frequency signal. Because of excellent optical and superior mechanical properties of the material, the sapphire resonator is an excellent candidate for the on-chip device integration of the comb oscillator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the study of widely tunable, resonant single-sideband electro-optical modulators based on whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators, made out of electro-optically active materials. The modulation process involves interaction of different WGM families with an externally applied microwave field. The tunability results from the unequal response of the mode families to either a temperature change or to an applied voltage. We show that the modulator can be used as an efficient microwave photonic receiver that operates either in direct or coherent regime. Due to its resonant nature, the high-Q electro-optical modulator also can be used as a resolution booster for a low-resolution RF spectrum analyzer. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: We report on a study of optical properties of whispering gallery mode resonators made out of as-grown nominally pure lithium niobate crystals. We have observed a surprising dynamic modification of the spectrum of the resonators illuminated with the near infrared light. We attribute this effect to the photorefractive damage of the resonator host material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report on the study of near-infrared photorefractivity in highly Mg doped as-grown congruent LiNbO3 forming a whispering gallery mode resonator. The resonator is pumped with 780 nm light. We have observed a change of the ordinary index of refraction of the material exceeding 8×10-5. We show that the basic features of the photorefraction in this type of crystal is different from the photorefraction in nominally pure as-grown congruent LiNbO3 and explain the origin of this difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study an experimental method of evaluation of efficiency of an evanescent field coupling of light to a dielectric whispering gallery mode resonator. We show that change of the relative contrast of the observable optical resonance provides an accurate and complete information about the loaded as well as unloaded bandwidth of the resonator mode. We introduce a model of the coupling that allows for an interpolation of the resonator quality factor using experimental data taken without usage of a frequency tunable narrow line laser, a fast photodiode, as well as a frequency reference. The method is also immune to imperfect geometrical mode matching frequently occurring in a realistic system. We validate this model experimentally at both 1.5 and 4.5μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]