Systems and methods for polarization modulation of an optical signal
US7653097B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jan 26, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S5/06256
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of operating a laser source is provided. The laser source comprises a laser configured to generate an optical signal, and a polarization split and delay unit that is coupled to the optical signal. The polarization split and delay unit is configured to split the optical signal into a first and second orthogonally polarized component, create an optical path difference ΔL between the first and second orthogonally polarized components and combine the first and second orthogonally polarized components into a combined signal. The method comprises modulating the optical signal by applying a wavelength modulation signal to the laser such that the modulated optical signal comprises at least a first wavelength λ1 and a second wavelength λ2, wherein the first wavelength λ1 and the second wavelength λ2 are separated by a wavelength difference Δλ. The wavelength difference Δλ and the optical path difference ΔL are such that the first and second orthogonally polarized components oscillate back and forth from an in-phase state to an out of phase state. Additional embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.