Accurate extraction method for the FM response of tunable diode lasers based on wavelength modulation spectroscopy

An accurate wavelength modulation spectroscopy based method to measure the dynamics of the wavelength modulation behavior of tunable diode lasers is introduced in this paper. This method requires only standard equipment and a simple mechanical setup. Under the condition of a constant laser modulation current, the wavelength modulation amplitude can be determined by analysis of the distance between the two zero crossings of the measured second harmonic spectrum of gas absorption. When measuring at different modulation frequencies, the frequency response of the current-to-wavelength tuning coefficient can be obtained. The use of a frequency analyzer instead of a lock-in amplifier to obtain the second harmonic spectrum has two advantages: it provides a higher bandwidth and allows for very precise detection of the zero crossings because of the logarithmic output. The results exhibit very good agreement with a reference measurement performed with a fast FTIR Spectrometer.