Simple method for measuring frequency chirps with a Fabry-Perot interferometer

A simple method for measuring the frequency-chirped response of lasers is p resented. This method relates the deviation from the Lorentzian line shape of the transmission of a Fabry-Perot interferometer to the frequency chirp of the laser and allows a direct measurement of the frequency chirp. Two ch irps produced by an external-cavity laser diode with an intracavity electro -optic crystal were measured. The first measurement was of a linear chirp o f 800 MHz occurring in a time of 12.3 mu s, and the second measurement was of eight repeated 800-MHz linear chirps each occurring in 337 mu s. Agreeme nt between the measured and the expected frequency-chirped response of the laser is shown. (C) 2000 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 120.2230, 1 40.3600, 120.3180.