Gain balanced nonlinear optical interferometer
US11402723B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 10, 2020 |
| Grant date | Aug 2, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 10, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2203/13
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A nonlinear fiber interferometer is disclosed suitable for fiber sensor and other applications. A first nonlinear fiber section amplifies probe and conjugate sidebands of a pump through four-wave mixing. A second section introduces a phase shift to be measured, for example from a sensor. A third nonlinear fiber section amplifies with phase-sensitive gain to increase signal-to-noise ratio. Based on phase-sensitive output power of probe and/or conjugate components, the phase shift can be measured. Superior performance can be obtained by balancing gain between the (first and third) nonlinear sections. Non-fiber, for example photonic integrated circuit, embodiments are disclosed. Differential sensing, alternative detection schemes, sensing applications, associated methods, and other variations are disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.