Frequency-Noise Sensitivity and Amplitude-Noise Immunity of Discriminators Based on Fringe-Side Fabry-Perot Cavities

Optical frequency discriminators using fringe-side Fabry-Perot cavities are analyzed studying their sensitivity to laser frequency fluctuations, with particular attention to their amplitude-noise immunity. The frequency responses both to frequency and to amplitude noise were evaluated using the transient analysis. Comparisons between different schemes-based on transmission, reflection, or a proper combination of both these signals, and using intensity noise compensation-were carried out, pointing out similarities and differences in their operational properties and performance.