Phase-locking of octave-spanning optical frequency comb based on Kerr-lens mode-locked Yb:KYW laser to reference laser

Abstract

We phase locked an octave-spanning optical frequency comb based on a laser-diode-pumped Kerr-lens mode-locked Yb:KYW laser to a reference laser. We controlled the cavity length of the mode-locked laser to phase lock the mode frequency of the comb to the reference laser. This was conducted using a fast piezoelectric-actuated mirror on a lead-filled mount, which was aimed at damping the mechanical resonances. We achieved a servo bandwidth of 200 kHz, a residual phase noise of 0.47 rad, and a power concentration to a carrier of 91%. To extend the locking duration of the carrier-envelope offset frequency, we compensated its slow drift using the position of the Yb:KYW crystal while the pump-laser power was controlled to achieve its phase locking. We continuously maintained the full phase locking of the comb for 3 h until the reference lasers were out of lock.