V. Lavielle

High-resolution radio frequency spectral analysis with photon echo chirp transform in an Er:YSO crystal

We demonstrate implementation of the chirp transform algorithm with photon echoes in an Er/sup 3+/:YSO crystal at 1536 nm for application to spectral analysis of RF signals. The principle and features of the technique are presented using a simple picture in the time-frequency plane. Experimental results with low-bandwidth RF signals demonstrate 40-kHz spectral resolution and a time-bandwidth product of 500. Extension to broad-band RF signals is discussed.

Demonstration of a radio-frequency spectrum analyser based on spectral hole burning

We demonstrate application of spectral hole burning to the spectral analysis of broad-band rf signals. In quite the same way as an acousto-optic spectrometer, the device operates on an optically carried rf signal and achieves angular separation of the signal spectral components. An instantaneous bandwidth of 2.5 GHz has been achieved, with a power dynamic range of 35 dB, limited by the detector. Extension to greater than 10 GHz instantaneous bandwidth with greater than 1000 channels is consistent with the active material capabilities.

Chirped pulse generation of a narrow absorption line in a Tm3+:YAG crystal

We examine the coherent aspects of the swept CW laser spectral hole burning procedure, exploring their connection with rapid adiabatic passage (RAP). We take advantage of the well-known RAP robustness against control parameter variations. Considering uniform excitation of all the absorbing centers over a given spectral range, we propose a new scheme to exclude a single-frequency subset of centers from excitation. As the excited centers decay to a shelving state, one is left with nothing but the subset of unexcited centers that will behave like a narrow absorption line sample. Preliminary experimental results are presented.

Atomic spectral analyzers for radio frequency signal processing

We review recent demonstrations of wide band radio frequency (RF) spectral analyzers based on spectral hole burning technology. The optically-carried RF signal can be analyzed with sub-MHz resolution over tens of GHz instantaneous bandwidth.

Condensed phase atomic sample for quantum information investigation

The paper reports on the development of optical coherent transient techniques to efficiently build a single frequency sample. These techniques are tested in a Tm/sup 3+/:YAG crystal cooled at 4 K or immersed in superfluid helium. All experiments are concentrating on optically driven population transfer from ground state /sup 3/H/sub 6/ to upper state /sup 3/H/sub 4/ and back. This two-level system is complemented by level /sup 3/F/sub 4/, a metastable shelving state connected to the upper level by a nonradiative transition.

Broadband frequency agile radio-frequency spectrum analyzer based on spectral hole burning

In this paper, we demonstrate broadband frequency agile radio-frequency spectrum analyzer based on spectral hole burning with instantaneous bandwidth exceeding 2 GHz, a resolution of 500 kHz, and a dynamic range of 33 dB. The unique important features such as multiscale spectral analysis and optical carrier suppression are also demonstrated.

Broadband radio-frequency spectrum analyzer based on spectral hole burning

Application of spectral hole burning to the spectral analysis of broadband radio frequency signals is demonstrated. The device operates on an optically carried RF signal and achieves the angular separation of the signal spectral components.