Optical Injection Locked Laser for AC Circuit Frequency Response Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lidar system testing methods are limited in their ability to effectively investigate the frequency responses of AC circuits over a spectrum of frequencies, making it difficult to analyze and integrate AC circuits into lidar systems, especially in controlled environments.
Innovation Solution
A testing apparatus that includes a laser source optically injection locked to an optical resonator, a modulator to apply time-varying voltages, and an interferometer to generate a frequency modulated optical signal with time-varying chirps, allowing for the generation of optical test signals with a range of frequencies, which can be optically or electrically coupled to the device under test to analyze its analog frequency response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a laser source and interferometer are used to generate test signals, then a single frequency optical signal can be output, but the ability to investigate frequency responses over a spectrum of frequencies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical path length variable through a movable mirror or translation stage. This allows the interferometer to dynamically adjust the path difference, thereby generating a continuous spectrum of frequencies from a single laser source. The dynamic adjustment transforms a static single-frequency system into a versatile frequency-sweeping system without requiring multiple laser sources or complex spectral generation equipment.
2Measurement precision
If conventional interferometer setups are used, then single frequency testing is achieved, but comprehensive frequency response analysis across a spectrum is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by using a continuous laser beam that is modulated through continuous variation of the optical path length. Instead of switching between discrete frequency sources, the system continuously sweeps through a range of frequencies by moving the mirror, maintaining uninterrupted measurement capability. This continuous action enables comprehensive frequency response analysis while keeping the operational process simple and automated.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables comprehensive analysis of analog frequency responses of AC circuits, facilitating the integration and testing of AC circuits in lidar systems by providing a controlled environment to simulate lidar return signals and evaluate frequency responses across a range of frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
The optical resonator can be formed of an electrooptic material. Further, the laser source can be optically injection locked to the optical resonator. Moreover, the testing apparatus can include a modulator configured to apply a time-varying voltage to the optical resonator. The time-varying voltage can control modulation of an optical property of the electrooptic material to cause the laser source optically injection locked to the optical resonator to generate a frequency modulated optical signal.
Implementation Method 2
The testing apparatus can also include an interferometer. The interferometer can be configured to receive the frequency modulated optical signal from the laser source optically injection locked to the optical resonator. The interferometer can further be configured to output an optical test signal having a range of frequencies. The frequencies in the optical test signal can be based at least in part on the time-varying chirps.
Data Source
AI summary
Various technologies described herein pertain to a testing apparatus that enables an analog frequency response of a device under test to be analyzed. The testing apparatus includes a laser source and an optical resonator. The laser source is optically injection locked to the optical resonator. The testing apparatus also includes a modulator configured to apply a time-varying voltage to the optical resonator. The time-varying voltage causes the laser source optically injection locked to the optical resonator to generate a frequency modulated optical signal that can include time-varying chirps. The testing apparatus further includes an interferometer (e.g., variable delay, fixed length) configured to receive the frequency modulated optical signal from the laser source optically injection locked to the optical resonator. The interferometer outputs an optical test signal having a range of frequencies. The frequencies in the optical test signal are based at least in part on the time-varying chirps.