Patent ID: 7492795
Filing Date: 2009-02-17
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
1. A method of generating precise optical timing signals having a frequency greater than approximately 12.4 GHz from a mode locked laser source comprising the steps of: Automatically self-starting an optical loop of a mode locked laser source optoelectronic loop oscillator operating at greater than approximately 12.4 GHz; Producing a periodic comb of phase-locked longitudinal modes from the mode locked laser source; Selecting two of said phase-locked longitudinal modes from said optical loop of the mode locked laser source; Producing a beat note from said selected two phase-locked longitudinal modes; Delaying the produced beat note in a delay line, having a length of about 100 meters, between an optical circulator of the optical loop and a photodiode of an electrical loop said delay line coupling the electrical loop with the optical loop; Detecting said delayed beat note pulses at the electrical loop coupled with the optical loop and generating an electrical beat pulse; Dividing said electrical beat pulses by a selected integer to form an electrical controlling signal; Controlling an optical modulator coupling said optical loop with said electrical loop with said electrical controlling signal to mode lock said laser source on a selected harmonic of a fundamental frequency of said optical loop; and Coupling said harmonic of said laser source to an optical output as the optical timing signal to drive a harmonic mode-locked laser.