Theory of a frequency-shifted feedback laser

• Published in: Optics communications Vol. 236; no. 1; pp. 183 - 202
• Main Authors: Yatsenko, L.P., Shore, B.W., Bergmann, K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01-06-2004; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Exact sciences and technology; Frequency-shifted feedback; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); General laser theory; Laser optical systems: design and operation; Lasers; Optics; Physics; Resonators, cavities, amplifiers, arrays, and rings; 42.55.−f; Optics; 42.60.Da; 42.55.Ah; Frequency-shifted feedback; Lasers; Frequency shift; Spontaneous emission; Optical feedback; Laser pumping; Laser feedback; Theoretical study; CW lasers; Acoustooptical modulator
• ISSN: 0030-4018; 1873-0310
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optcom.2004.03.049

We present a new approach to the description of the output from a frequency-shifted feedback (FSF) laser seeded by a phase-fluctuating but stationary continuous-wave (CW) laser. We illustrate the new analysis by showing how short frequency-chirped pulses arise for appropriate operating conditions. We show the equivalence of two common viewpoints of the FSF laser output as either a moving comb of equidistant frequencies or as a fixed set of discrete frequencies. We also consider operation of a FSF laser when there is no external seeding laser, and instead the cavity radiation originates with spontaneous emission.