Synchronization Module
BOMPD – Balanced Optical Microwave Phase Detector
Lowest noise optical synchronization between lasers und microwaves
- More than 0.2 mV/fs sensitivity
- Lower than 5 fs RMS noise floor
- Less than 20 fs RMS timing jitter
- Attosecond-level timing jitter resolution
Description
BOMPD allows ultra-precise measurement of timing jitter between an optical pulse train and the phase of a microwave signal.
BOMPD generates a baseband signal that is proportional to the timing error between the two inputs, which in turn can be used in a phase-locked loop configuration to tightly synchronize a laser to a microwave source or vice versa. Due to its balanced detection scheme, the BOMPD is immune to amplitude fluctuations of both optical and microwave sources and greatly suppresses the AM-PM conversion noise in the photodetection process. Cycle offers two additions to the BOMPD to complement our customers’ applications: RF generation option (which includes a low-noise VCO for generating an RF signal based on an optical clock) and low-noise option (down to 5 fs synchronization). Standard optical wavelengths are 800 nm, 1030 nm, and 1550 nm. Please contact one of our timing experts for your customization needs.
Applications
- Precise synchronization between ultrafast lasers and microwave signals
- Precise synchronization of microwave sources to the output of stabilized fiber links
- Generation of ultra-low-noise microwave signals from an ultrafast optical oscillator