On the delayed self-heterodyne interferometric technique for determining the linewidth of fiber lasers.

The delayed self-heterodyne interferometric technique, first proposed in the context of semiconductor lasers, has been commonly used for over 20 years in the determination of the optical linewidth of lasers. We examine this technique in the light of recent work on fiber lasers, and point out further constraints in the applicability of these measurements. An approximate but simple and intuitive expression is provided for assessing the self-heterodyne technique when applied to fiber lasers.