A method of cleaning the mode spectra of whispering - gallery - mode (WGM) optical resonators has been devised to make such resonators more suitable for use as narrow-band optical filters. The method applies, more specifically, to millimeter sized whispering-gallery-mode optical resonators that are made of crystalline electro-optical materials and have ultrahigh values of the resonance quality factor (Q). The mode spectrum of such a resonator is typically dense, consisting of closely spaced families of modes; as such, the spectrum is not well suited for narrow-band filtering, in which there is a need for strong rejection of side modes. "Cleaning" as used here signifies rarefying the spectrum so that what remains consists mostly of a single desired family of modes or, at worst, a few mode families that are more widely spaced in frequency than are the mode families in the original, non-rarefied spectrum.
The spectrum-cleaning method exploits the fact that various WGM mode families occupy various positions near the equator at the rim of a resonator disk. In this method, a damper in the form of a prism or other polished piece of material having an index of refraction greater than that of the resonator material is placed in contact with the rim of the resonator at such a position that the Qs of most or all of the undesired mode families are greatly reduced while the Q of the desired mode family is reduced by only a tolerably small amount. In an alternative method that has been considered, the mode spectrum would be cleaned through special design of the shape of the rim, but fabrication of the rim in a special shape is a complicated task. The advantage of the present method, relative to the alternative method, is that special shaping of the rim is not necessary and the damping prism can be emplaced after the resonator has been fabricated.
This method was demonstrated in an experiment on a WGM resonator in the form of a 12-mm-diameter, 180-μm-thick lithium tantalite disk, the rim of which was polished to a spherical shape. The Q of the main family of modes was 5 × 107, corresponding to a bandwidth of 3 MHz. Light was sent into and out of the resonator via a diamond coupling prism placed at the equator. Another diamond prism, positioned at angle α, was used as the spectrum cleaner (see Figure 1). The resonator was operated in a band-stop configuration (in which absorption is minimum at resonance and maximum off resonance). As illustrated in Figure 2, it was found that, as expected, there was an optimum value of α (5°) that yielded the most rarefied spectrum while preserving the high Q of the main family of WGM resonant modes.
This work was done by Anatoliy Savchenkov, Andrey Matsko, Dmitri Strekalov, Vladimir Iltchenko, and Lute Maleki of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For more information, download the Technical Support Package (free white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Physical Sciences category. In accordance with Public Law 96-517, the contractor has elected to retain title to this invention. Inquiries concerning rights for its commercial use should be addressed to:
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Refer to NPO-41596, volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number.
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Rarefying Spectra of Whispering-Gallery-Mode Resonators
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) that focuses on the innovation titled "Rarefying Spectra of Whispering-Gallery-Mode Resonators," identified by NTR Number 41596. This innovation pertains to spectrum engineering in whispering gallery mode filters, which are advanced optical devices that utilize the unique properties of light propagation in circular geometries.
Whispering gallery mode resonators are known for their ability to confine light in a small volume, allowing for high-quality factor resonances. This characteristic makes them particularly useful in various applications, including telecommunications, sensing, and precision measurements. The document emphasizes the potential of these resonators to enhance the performance of optical systems by enabling the rarefaction of spectra, which can lead to improved signal processing capabilities.
The Technical Support Package is part of NASA's Commercial Technology Program, aimed at disseminating aerospace-related developments that have broader technological, scientific, or commercial applications. It serves as a resource for researchers, engineers, and industry professionals interested in leveraging these advancements for various applications beyond aerospace.
For further inquiries or assistance regarding the research and technology discussed in the document, the package provides contact information for the Innovative Technology Assets Management team at JPL. They can be reached via mail or email, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing within the scientific and engineering communities.
The document also includes a notice regarding the proprietary nature of the information contained within, highlighting that it may be subject to export control regulations. It clarifies that the United States Government, nor any individuals acting on its behalf, assumes liability for the use of the information provided, nor does it guarantee that such use will be free from privately owned rights.
In summary, the Technical Support Package on "Rarefying Spectra of Whispering-Gallery-Mode Resonators" presents a significant advancement in optical technology, showcasing the potential applications of whispering gallery mode filters in various fields. It encourages innovation and collaboration while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
