Novel optical frequency comb technology demonstrator for space

Abstract

With this work, we present a new class of diode pumped solid-state based optical frequency comb (OFC) technology based on a Kerr-lens modelocked oscillator, which possesses robust self-starting capabilities. By combining this novel technology together with Airbus’ capabilities of building highly stable, bonded optical space instruments, a preliminary optics module is demonstrated that produces sub-150-fs pulses with a repetition rate of 1.51 GHz, an output power of 12 mW and a central wavelength of 1078 nm with a bandwidth of 9.1 nm. This novel technology is presented for the first time to provide some preliminary results and to show the capability of the technology. Operation has so far been demonstrated for tens of hours without performance degradation and it is expected to be significantly less sensitive against radiation than fibre based OFCs. All these features are packed in a mechanically robust and small micro-optical package, with the clear aim to deliver a compact solution fully suitable for space applications.