Title: Gain balanced nonlinear optical interferometer

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.

Inventors:

Lukens, Joseph M.; Peters, Nicholas A.; Pooser, Raphael C.

Issue Date:

2020-07-28

Research Org.:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1735082

Patent Number(s):

10725360

Application Number:

16/408,945

Assignee:

UT-Battelle, LLC (Oak Ridge, TN)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

G - PHYSICS G02 - OPTICS G02F - DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS, THE OPTICAL OPERATION OF WHICH IS MODIFIED BY CHANGING THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIUM OF THE DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF THE INTENSITY, COLOUR, PHASE, POLARISATION OR DIRECTION OF LIGHT, e.g. SWITCHING, GATING, MODULATING OR DEMODULATING

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G - PHYSICS G02 - OPTICS G02F - DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS, THE OPTICAL OPERATION OF WHICH IS MODIFIED BY CHANGING THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIUM OF THE DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF THE INTENSITY, COLOUR, PHASE, POLARISATION OR DIRECTION OF LIGHT, e.g. SWITCHING, GATING, MODULATING OR DEMODULATING

G02F1/3501 - {Constructional arrangements of non-linear optical devices, e.g. shape of non-linear crystals
G02F1/3544 - {Particular phase matching techniques}
G02F1/39 - for parametric generation or amplification of light, infra-red, or ultra-violet waves {
G02F2203/13 - involving THZ radiation

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DOE Contract Number:  

AC05-00OR22725

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 05/10/2019

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION; 42 ENGINEERING