Analysis of the transient response of erbium fibre lasers and application for sensors

George Stewart; Gillian Whitenett; Brian Culshaw

doi:10.1117/12.684669

20 October 2006 Analysis of the transient response of erbium fibre lasers and application for sensors

George Stewart, Gillian Whitenett, Brian Culshaw

Proceedings Volume 6371, Photonic Sensing Technologies; 63710N (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.684669
Event: Optics East 2006, 2006, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Abstract

Many types of optical fibre sensor are based on either sensitive measurement of optical attenuation or on spectral measurements involving absorption at specific wavelengths or a shift in wavelength, for example, chemical analysis based on spectroscopy, or strain and temperature sensors based on fibre Bragg gratings. Measurements are normally performed under steady-state conditions. Here we propose a technique for optical sensors based on analysis of the transient output of fibre lasers containing an intra-cavity cell or sensor element which affects the attenuation or spectral characteristics of the cavity. We report a detailed theoretical and experimental study of the dynamics of erbium fibre ring lasers. Time domain analysis of the transient involves measurement of parameters such as build-up time and characteristics of the relaxation oscillations which are dependent on the cavity parameters. Spectral domain analysis involves monitoring the detailed optical spectrum during the build-up period. Due to the multiple circulations of light within the cavity during this period, monitoring the spectral evolution may provide high-sensitivity spectroscopic data on absorption lines of gases within an intra-cavity cell. A key challenge, however, is the experimental capture of mode evolution which requires high resolution spectra to be collected during the build-up period.

Citation Download Citation

George Stewart, Gillian Whitenett, and Brian Culshaw "Analysis of the transient response of erbium fibre lasers and application for sensors", Proc. SPIE 6371, Photonic Sensing Technologies, 63710N (20 October 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.684669

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available

Members: $17.00

Non-members: $21.00 ADD TO CART

PROCEEDINGS
11 PAGES

DOWNLOAD PAPER SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

GET CITATION

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Get copyright permission Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace

KEYWORDS

Sensors

Absorption

Fiber lasers

Erbium

Chemical elements

Signal attenuation

Spectroscopy

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years