High-speed analog fiber-optic link for electromagnetic interference suppression in infrared power measurement

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a common problem in a high-power pulsed infrared laser measurement. In order to eliminate susceptibility to radiated EMI, we developed, tested and implemented an infrared power measurement system using a high-speed analog fiber-optic link. Key components are commercially available parts designed for high-speed digital data transmission, but can be operated in analog mode. We successfully utilized the system for time-resolved measurements of high-power transversely-excited atmospheric-pressure CO(2) lasers in amplifier and oscillator configurations. This paper presents experimental setup, testing results, and the details of the laser power measurements results. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3624628]