Optical Frequency Locked Loop for long-term stabilization of broad-line DFB lasers frequency difference

Abstract: We present an experimental realization of the Optical Frequency Locked Loop (OFLL) applied to long-term frequency difference stabilization of broad-line DFB lasers. The presented design, based on an integrated phase-frequency detector chip, is digitally tunable in real-time, robust against environmental perturbations and compatible with commercially available laser current control modules. We present a simple model and a quick method to optimize the loop for given hardware using only simple measurements in time domain and approximate laser linewidth. We demonstrate frequency stabilization for offsets encompassing entire 4-15 GHz capture range. We achieve < 0.5 Hz long-term stability of the beat note frequency for 1000 s averaging time. Step response of the system as well as phase characteristics closely adhere to the theoretical model.