Single-mode laser frequency modulation

This paper presents an analysis of the frequency response of single-mode laser frequency modulation. The method employed is based on the combined concepts of an active Fabry-Perot interferometer and of internal phase modulation, and is very transparent. The calculation of the sideband amplitudes and phases of the laser output reveals two main regions of the frequency response: for modulating frequencies lower than the cavity mode spacing the laser generates an ideally frequency-modulated signal. At higher frequencies the sideband amplitude versus modulating frequency shows an oscillatory behavior. Here, the response is mainly determined by the cavity mode spacing frequency and by the position of the modulator within the cavity. Comparing the theoretical results with previously reported experiments, very good agreement was found.