Distributing Frequency Stabilized Light via Fiber Optics

Document #:

LIGO-T1400245-v1

Document type:

T - Technical notes

Abstract:

A laser beam with low frequency noise is desired in LIGO labs to act as a reference signal. The purpose of the project is to distribute a laser that has been frequency stabilized to a Fabry-Perot cavity to various labs via fiber optics and characterize the noise added by the fiber. To distribute the laser, we have mode matched the laser beam into the fiber in order to obtain the highest power output. The noise from the fiber would first be measured using self-homodyne detection. If the noise level is satisfactory, we would distribute the beam and measure the noise using a phase-locked loop. If the noise level above the labs requirements, then various techniques will be used to reduce that noise. Here, we outline the techniques used to mode match and determine the noise from the fiber and laser beam.

Files in Document:

• ERICA_CHAN_SURF2013_FinalReport.pdf (20.7 MB)

Topics:

• Laser Systems

Authors:

• Tara Chalermsongsak
• Rana Adhikari