DFC CORE / DFC CORE+
Low-noise frequency comb
• Based on mode-locked Erbium fiber laser • Offset-free by difference frequency generation
• Patented CERO (“zero-fCEO”) technology • CORE unit with 4 or 8 outputs at 1560 nm • Optional extensions for frequency conversion
The CORE unit of TOPTICA’s Difference Frequency Comb (DFC) consists of a low noise mode-locked oscillator, a fiber-optic amplifier, a nonlinear fiber for supercontinuum generation, a CERO unit for difference frequency generation (DFG) and a fiber-optic pre-amplifier. The DFC CORE provides 4 or 8 fCEO-stabilized outputs at 1560 nm. Each output can seed a user-defined extension as specified on the DFC Extensions section. It comes with integrated radio frequency reference and dedicated frep locking electronics. A beat monitoring unit comprising a laptop and a digital scope with spectrum analyzer mode allows for convenient monitoring and analysis of locking beats.
Applications
• Optical Clocks • Microwave Generation • High-resolution Spectroscopy • Laser Reference
• Dual-comb Spectroscopy • Direct Frequency Comb Spectroscopy • CEP-stable Seeders
Options
• Modular DFC Extensions: Various extension modules are available that convert the offset-free fundamental output of the DFC CORE / DFC CORE+ from 1560 nm to any desired wavelength between 420 nm and 2200 nm
• DFC BC and DFC MD units for beam combining and monochromatic beat detection
Specifications
Laser outputs
4/8 outputs @ 1560 nm (fCEO-free)
Center wavelength
Comb spacing
Bandwidth (FWHM)
Power
Ouput coupling
1560 nm each
80 MHz each
> 20 nm each
> 10 mW each
Polarization maintaining fiber (FC/APC)
Spectral range covered with wavelength extensions
420 - 2200 nm
Average power @ 1560 nm with DFC IR
Bandwidth @ 1560 nm with DFC IR
250 mW
80 nm
Stability (if locked to RF reference)
< 1·10-13 in 1 s, or same as reference, whichever applies first
Bandwidth frep lock
> 70 kHz (DFC CORE) / > 400 kHz (DFC CORE+)
Dimensions (H x W x D)
157 x 448 x 635 mm
Dimensions digital oscilloscope (H x W x D)
40 x 190 x 170 mm
Dimensions quartz, GPS reference (H x W x D)
60 x 100 x 165 mm, 58 x 170 x 140 mm
Weight
< 30 kg
Power supply
100...120 V / 220...240 VAC, 50...60 Hz (auto detect)
Typical stability values of standard GPS reference*
1*10-13
40,000 s
4*10-13
10,000 s
2.4*10-12
1,000 s
4*10-12
from 400 s to 10 s
1.3*10-12
1 s
*better RF references available on request
Specifications Beat Monitoring Unit
VERTICAL
Number of channels
4
Bandwidth (-3 dB)
8 to 15-bit modes: 200 MHz , 16-bit mode: 60 MHz
Rise time (calculated, 10% to 90%)
8 to 15-bit modes: 1.8 ns, 16-bit mode: 5.8 ns
Input connectors
BNCs on front panel, 1 MΩ ±1 % || 13 pF, ±1 pF
Input coupling and sensitivity
AC/DC, 2 mV/div to 4 V/div
Input ranges
±10 mV to ± 20 V full scale, in 11 ranges
HORIZONTAL
Max. sampling rate 1 channel 16-bit mode
62.5 MS/s
Max. sampling rate 1 channel 8-bit mode
1 GS/s
Max. sampling rate 4 channels 8-bit mode
250 MS/s
Timebase ranges
500 ps/div to 1000 s/div
Buffer memory (8 bit / ≥ 12-bit)
512 MS / 256 MS
Buffer memory continous streaming
256 MS
SPECTRUM ANALYZER
Frequency range
DC to 200 MHz
FUNCTION GENERATOR
Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG)
General
Dimensions (H x W x D)
40 x 190 x 170 mm³ (including connectors)
Weight
< 0.5 kg