Optical FSK heterodyne detection experiments using semiconductor laser transmitter and local oscillator

Frequency modulated semiconductor laser signals are demodulated by optical heterodyne detection using an independently temperature stabilized semiconductor laser local oscillator and a square-law detector followed by electrical frequency discrimination circuitry. Short-term and long-term beat frequency stability of the free-running laser transmitter and the local oscillator are delineated. Direct frequency modulation characteristics of the laser transmitter are studied by observing the intermediate frequency spectra. Frequency modulation-demodulation of pulse pattern signals at 100-200 Mbit/s is demonstrated. Reduction of the intermediate frequency fluctuation to less than 5 MHz is realized by employing a feedback of the RF frequency discriminator output to the local oscillator injection current.