Abstract

High-bandwidth frequency modulation has been demonstrated with a remotely pumped microchip laser. A lithium tantalate crystal was compositely bonded to a Nd:YAG crystal to form an intracavity electro-optic modulator. Single-frequency output power was 9 mW and linearly polarized. Frequency tuning of over 1.5 GHz was observed with tuning sensitivities of up to 10 MHz/V. Amplifier-limited tuning rates of up to 1 MHz were demonstrated. No increase in the RIN spectrum was evident during operation of the electro-optic modulator, except for a peak at the modulation frequency. The amplitude of the peak was -95 dB /Hz for a driving frequency of 200 kHz.

© 1993 Optical Society of America