Mixed-signal frequency control loop for tunable laser
US11509112B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 2018 |
| Grant date | Nov 22, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S5/0085
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A Lidar system includes a tunable laser configured to generate an output light signal and a photodiode array for receiving light from the tunable laser reflected from a target object. The tunable laser includes a feedback loop including a Mach-Zender interferometer, MZI, receiving the output light signal from the tunable laser, in which the MZI includes two optical paths receiving the output light signal. A phase shifter is provided in one optical path that is operable to produce a pre-determined shift in the phase angle of the light signal passing through the one optical path relative to the phase angle of the light signal passing through the other optical path. A photodiode configured to detect the interference signal generated by the MZI is operable to generate a photodiode current in response thereto. Circuitry converts the photodiode current to a control signal for controlling the tunable laser.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.