Crystal Orientation Optimized Optical Frequency Shifter

Abstract

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed an optimized frequency shifter and polarization converter for power reduction.

Full Description

Optical frequency shifters have a wide variety of applications including heterodyne sensors, atomic interrogation, light detection and coherent optical communications. For these applications, the frequency shifters need to achieve near complete carrier suppression and high conversion efficiency. Current methods include electro-optic modulation and mechanically rotating half-plate frequency shifters, neither of these methods can attain high-speed frequency shifts and both consume large amounts of energy. There is a need for frequency shifters that can attain high-speed frequency shifts and achieve near complete carrier suppression with a high conversion efficiency.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed an X-cut Y-propagating crystal frequency shifter and polarization converter to reduce power consumption. The X-cut Y-propagating crystal orientation makes it possible to reduce power consumption by eight times. The Integrated polarization converter and frequency shifter also allows for high-speed frequency shifts. Finally, the waveguide structure nulls the intrinsic birefringence in the material, achieving near complete carrier suppression.

Applications

• Highly efficient, compact frequency shifter and polarization converter

Features/Benefits

• Reduces power consumption by 8x
• Integrated polarization converter and frequency shifter
• Waveguide structure designed to null intrinsic material birefringence
• Can be integrated with optical components such as lasers

Patent Status