Microwave Modulation of CO2 Lasers in GaAs Thin Film Optical Waveguides.

摘要

The long-range objective of this program is to develop an efficient and reliable ultra-wideband thin-film modulator for CO2 lasers that will be useful for high-resolution, imaging optical radars and high-data-rate optical communication systems. During the present reporting period (September 26, 1973 to Mar 25, 1974), the goal of this program is the demonstration of efficient sideband generation at microwave frequencies (X-band or Ku-band) from the 10.6 micrometer CO2 molecular resonance. For the remaining contractual period (March 26, 1974 to June 25, 1974), the goal is to experimentally demonstrate the generation of frequency-chirped 10.6 micrometer CO2 laser waveforms using the microwave-driven thin-film modulator developed under the present contract. Characteristics of the frequency chirped optical signals, sideband power limitations and total optical insertion loss of the microwave-driven thin-film modulator will be investigated. In particular, techniques for improving coupling efficiency of both optical and microwave power will be determined.