Frequency modulation background signals from fiber-based electro optic modulators are caused by crosstalk

Frequency modulated spectroscopy (FMS) performed by the use of fiber-coupled electro optic modulators (FC-EOMs) is often plagued by background signals that bring in noise and, by their temperature dependence, cause severe drifts. These signals cannot be zeroed out by the conventional technique of using a carefully adjusted polarizer that can be applied to free space electro optic modulators (EOMs). This can limit the use of FC-EOMs in high performance detection techniques. Here we provide an explanation to these background signals that is based upon crosstalk between various polarization directions of light in the fixed mounted polarization-maintaining fibers and the electro optic crystal. The description provides a basis for the previously demonstrated technique that utilizes an EOM regulated simultaneously by temperature and DC voltage to eliminate background signals from systems encompassing FC-EOMs.