Dynamics of the optical frequency locked loop using tunable Nd:YVO4 microchip lasers

This paper concerns the dynamics of a rapidly tunable optical frequency locked loop (OFLL). The optical domain generation of high fidelity microwave signals has been subject of numerous articles in recent years [1–2]. Of particular interest is the use of single or double optical frequency locked loops, which reduce the phase noise [3]. In many applications it is desirable to rapidly tune or even hop the frequency while still maintaining low phase noise. In this report we examine the dynamics of the OFLL and show that tuning speeds in the order of few µsec are attainable.