Frequency comb stabilization with bandwidth beyond the limit of gain lifetime by an intracavity graphene electro-optic modulator

Intracavity loss modulation enables offset-frequency control with bandwidths beyond what is possible by pump power modulation. To demonstrate this new method, we use a subwavelength thick graphene electro-optic modulator to stabilize the offset frequency in a Tm:fiber frequency comb at 1.95 mu m wavelength. Record-low residual phase noise of 144 mrads was achieved with this new locking scheme. (C) 2012 Optical Society of America