Electro-optic modulators (EOMs) are an easy to use and efficient tool to externally modify the phase, frequency, polarization, or amplitude of a free-space laser.
In contrast to acousto-optic modulators, the spatial mode of the laser beam remains unaltered. So EOMs are an ideal choice when several frequency components are required in the laser spectrum. For instance in pumper frequency generation in laser cooling and quantum optics, spectral broadening to minimize stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in high power fibers, and for frequency modulation (FM) techniques, like FM Spectroscopy, Modulation Transfer Spectroscopy or Pound-Drever Hall (PDH) Laser Frequency Stabilization. The modulation spectrum of Qubig’s electro-optic modulators ranges from DC-coupled phase shifters to high-Q, resonant EOMs in the MHz to GHz.
Qubig offers a high-frequency electro-optic modulator that has a custom resonance frequency (f0) from 100MHz to < 1GHz and usable bandwidth ~ 1% of f0 (manual tuning available). The EOM is optimized for free-space lasers and allows efficient modulation. It is available with several options such as temperature control, tunable resonance frequency, fiber coupling, double resonance, Brewster angles, amplitude modulator, and polarization modulator.
Key Features
The main features of the high-frequency electro-optic modulator are:
- Custom resonance frequency f0 from 100MHz up to < 1GHz
- 50 Ohm input, VSWR < 1:1.2
- Usable bandwidth ~ 1% of f0 (manual tuning available)
- Optimized for free-space lasers
- Standard post mounting (M4 or #8-32)
- Large aperture for easy alignment
- Any orientation for s- or p-polarization
- Max. RF power: 2W (10W with thermal mount)
- Efficient modulation, 100’s of Milliwatts RF power for 1 rad phase modulation
- Dedicated versions available for low, medium and high laser power/intensity
Applications
The applications of the high-frequency electro-optic modulator are:
- Two-Tone Frequency Modulation Spectroscopy
- Pound-Drever Hall Laser Frequency Stabilization
- Repumper frequency generation (Li-6, Li-7, K-39, K41) for Laser cooling or Laser Spectroscopy
- Spectral broadening to prevent Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS) in optical fibers
High Frequency Electro Optic Modulator from Qubig
Custom resonance frequency f0 from 100MHz up to < 1GHz
50 Ohm input, VSWR < 1:1.2
Large aperture for easy alignment
Efficient modulation, 100’s of Milliwatts RF power for 1 rad phase modulation
Dedicated versions available for low, medium and high laser power/intensity