Work

Self-starting, self-regulating Fourier domain mode locked fiber laser for OCT imaging

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: We present a Fourier domain mode locking (FDML) fiber laser with a feedback loop allowing automatic startup without a priori knowledge of the fundamental drive frequency. The feedback can also regulate the drive frequency making the source robust against environmental variations. A control system samples the energy of the light traversing the FDML cavity and uses a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) to drive the tunable fiber Fabry-Perot filter in order to maximize that energy. We demonstrate a prototype self-starting, self-regulating FDML operating at 40 kHz with a full width tuning range of 140 nm around 1305 nm and a power output of ~40 mW. The laser starts up with no operator intervention in less than 5 seconds and exhibits improved spectral stability over a conventional FDML source. In OCT applications the source achieved over 120 dB detection sensitivity and an ~8.9-µm axial resolution.

Source: Biomedical Optics Express

DOI: 10.1364/boe.2.002005

Authors: Kartikeya Murari, Jessica Mavadia, Jiefeng Xi, Xingde Li

Institution: Johns Hopkins University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Fiber Laser Technologies

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,913

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering