Frequency-Stabilized Lasers for High-Precision Sensing and Coherence-Based Applications
From distributed fiber sensing and LiDAR to optical metrology and coherent detection, today’s advanced photonic systems are pushing the boundaries of precision, phase stability, and spectral purity. These applications rely on lasers that offer long coherence lengths, excellent phase noise performance, and stable and narrow-linewidth operation.
Whether detecting vibrations along kilometers of fiber, measuring velocity shifts with Doppler LiDAR, or generating reference signals for frequency locking and beat-note analysis, the quality of the laser source is critical. Frequency-stabilized lasers with narrow intrinsic linewidths and high modulation capability represent a solution for performing acoustic and vibration sensing over long distances, carrying out high-resolution Doppler shift measurements, achieving frequency locking to atomic or optical references, implementing coherent communication and detection techniques, and enabling secure quantum key distribution.
To meet these demands, such systems typically require single-frequency mode with low phase noise, feature narrow linewidths (often sub-10 kHz) combined with long coherence lengths, deliver high optical output power with excellent signal-to-noise ratio and low relative intensity noise, provide frequency modulation capabilities with both high deviation and wide bandwidth, and are available in robust, integration-friendly form factors.
An ultra-narrow linewidth laser for these kinds of applications
Our frequency-stabilized Polaris for is a C-band laser that can power effectively high-precision sensing and coherence-based applications. With an integral linewidth under 10 kHz (at 10 ms), fiber-coupled output ≥13 dBm, and ITU-channel selectability. It delivers the performance needed for phase-sensitive applications, all within a compact and robust packaging.
What makes Polaris stand out?
Polaris operates in single-frequency mode with exceptional phase noise performance, offering a long coherence length that makes it ideal for interferometric and coherent detection systems. It supports a wide frequency modulation depth of up to 2.5 GHz with a 1.5 MHz bandwidth, all in a ready-to-integrate design that suits laboratory, OEM, and other field applications.
Key Applications
In distributed fiber sensing (DAS), a frequency-stabilized laser could enable precise acoustic and vibration detection. For applications related to FMCW and Doppler LiDAR, it could make possible high-resolution range and velocity measurements, generating clean beat signals with a strong signal-to-noise ratio and low phase noise — making it well-suited for industrial monitoring, mapping, and robotics. In optical metrology, it could support interferometry with long coherence lengths as well as frequency locking and beat-note generation. For coherent detection and modulation systems, it could serve as a high-performance local oscillator in coherent receivers and support both homodyne and heterodyne detection schemes.
Take the next step
If your application depends on spectral purity, phase coherence, and flexible modulation, Polaris delivers the precision and reliability you need. From metrology labs to sensing deployments, it is engineered for consistent, high-quality performance. Contact us to request the datasheet or discuss your specific system requirements.
Article written by our laser expert Fathema Farjana.
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