EOM RF-Drivers

Q - DRIVERS | RF Drivers for High-Q Resonant Modulators

QUBIG offers dedicated RF drivers which match and enhance the features of all free-space modulators. Digital frequency synthesis allows precise frequency and phase control. An integrated EOM lock (Q-Lock) working up to 20GHz automatically finds and subsequently tracks the resonance frequency of the modulators which ensures an operation at optimal efficiency. Together with the automatic frequency drift compensation (F-Lock) QUBIGs RF drivers have become a plug & play system where only two input parameters are required: the desired frequency and modulation depth.

The QDR-series  can optional be equipped with a heterodyne frequency mixing circuitry for the error-signal generation of all common methods used in laser frequency stabilisation techniques such as Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH), Frequency Modulation (FM) as well as Modulation Transfer Spectroscopy (MTS) with full digital phase control and neat features like 3ω-mixing for active RAM suppression. Easy system integration and implementation is assured by various interfaces for external control and interlock. All devices can be used via a customer friendly front panel.

GENERAL PRODUCT OVERVIEW

QDC - Series

MULTI-TONE RF DRIVER
Frequency range: 0.2 - 20GHz
RF power: up to 40dBm
Features: n RF signals in 1 output
Matching EOM-Series: TWP

QDG - Series

RF DRIVER for GHz MODULATORS
Frequency range: 0.2 - 20GHz
RF power: 1 - 10W versions
Features: F-Lock, ext. Clock, etc.
Matching EOM-Series: PM8-11

QDR - Series

RF DRIVER for MHz MODULATORS
Frequency range: 50kHz - 180MHz
RF power: 1 - 10W versions
Features: Q-Lock, +HD, +DTC, +3ω
Application: Spectr. Broadening, LFS

QDB - Series

RF DRIVER for BROADBAND EOMs
Frequency range: several GHz
RF power: typ. 5 - 10W
Features: incl. RF dump
Matching EOM-Series: TWP

QPX - Series

MULTI-CHANNEL RF DRIVER
RF output: 50kHz - 180MHz | up to 10W
Features: RF phase control, ext. Sync.
Application: Single-Photon DMX
Matching EOM-Series: AM6-8

PREDEFINED RF DRIVERS - PRFD

From our general product series numerous predefined models has been derived to enhance the EOM performance and match the requirements for various applications in quantum science experiments like laser trapping and cooling of neutral atoms (ATC), ions (ITC), molecules (MTC) as well as optical clocks, spectral broadening (SB) and laser frequency stabilisation (LFS).

Element / Isotope
Ion
Molecule
LFS Technique
LASER FREQUENCY STABILIZATION (LFS)

CHOOSE YOUR REQUIRED LFS TECHNIQUE

PDH/FM/MTS QDR - ADU
1 - 180 MHz
Background Information
Fig. 1 | Q-DRIVERS can be used with resonant modulators which are characterised by a limited bandwidth, an input signal enhancement and a 50Ohm impedance.
Fig. 2 | Traveling Wave modulators ( typical frequency response) can be operated by Q-DRIVERS due to their (quasi) impedance matching up to GHz.
Fig. 3 | The Q-DRIVERS slot card interface allows flexible upgradeability.

Resonant

With the Q-DRIVER concept QUBIG offers dedicated RF systems which match and enhance the features of all free-space resonant modulators. Digital frequency synthesis allows precise frequency and phase control. An integrated resonance lock (Q-Lock) working up to 19GHz automatically finds and subsequently tracks the fre- quency of the modulators which ensures an operation at optimal efficiency. Together with the automatic frequency drift compen- sation (F-Lock) QUBIG’s RF drivers have become a plug & play sys- tem where only two input parameters need to be adjusted: the de- sired frequency and modulation depth.

Traveling Wave

QUBIG’s Q-Drivers are also suited for traveling wave modulators. Dedicated digital synthesiser modules with signal bandwidths from 20MHz up to 8 or 19GHz are conform with the bandwidth performance of the EOMs. Depending on the application, broad- band RF amplifiers with an output power up to 10W within a frequency range of several GHz must be properly chosen for the respective application.

Q-Drivers (QD)

Q-Drivers are based on a sophisticated modular concept that al- lows flexible and easy adaptation to a wide variety of applications by simply plugging in functional modules in a slot card interface. The basis driver module contains besides a digital frequency syn- thesiser all necessary components (power supply, RF amplifier, user interface, various interlock functions etc.) for a standalone opera- tion. For convenient system integration, besides the hardware QUBIG also allows to control/communicate with the driver remote- ly by PC via a Python interface.

Typical Applications

The Q-DRIVERs are conceptualised for QUBIG’s free-space light modulators with 50Ohms impedance. Due to their compact design and flexible upgradeability, new applications have emerged over time:

Fig. 1 | Collection of QUBIG’s free-space resonantly enhanced electro-optic modulators.
Fig. 2 | Basic concept of an acousto-optic modulator.
Fig. 3 | Optical waveguide based fiber modulator from iXblue.

Free-space Electro-Optic Modulators

For all applications that rely on free­space elec­ tro­optic modulators, such as laser cooling, spectral broaden­ ing or laser frequency stabilisa­ tion, QUBIG provides matching RF drivers with tailored per­ formance features like Q­Lock, Temperature controller, suitable RF power amplifier and conven­ ient Python interface for remote control.

Acousto-Optic Modulators

Drivers of the QDR­Series can be optimised for resonant or broad­ band Acousto­Optic modulators (AOM) as well which are com­ monly used in various applica­ tions like acousto­optic tunable filters (AOTF), acousto­optic deflectors or frequency modulators.

Acousto-Optic Modulators

Fiber­based Modulators are characterised by very low half­ wave voltages and large band­ widths. QUBIG’s QDG­Series comes in two basic configura­ tions that cover a frequency range up to 8 or 19GHz. In combination with amplitude and frequency modulation features many interesting appli­ cations in metrology, communi­ cations or quantum science become accessible.

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