Comparison of different carrier-envelope frequency stabilization methods for a high performance DPSSL frequency comb

Abstract

Carrier envelope frequency (fCEO) stabilization of frequency combs is traditionally achieved via power modulation of the pump of the comb oscillator. A further possibility is to shift the laser fCEO using an external acousto-optic frequency shifter (AOFS). In this case the optical frequency comb spectrum is shifted exactly by the RF modulation frequency of the AOFS. In this work different stabilization schemes in self-referenced frequency comb system architecture are compared. It is shown that AOFS frequency shifting represents a high performance alternative to the standard feedback control via pump power modulation.