The FDML laser is already investigated in numerous applications such as optical coherence tomography and stimulated Raman microscopy in our and other research groups. In order to further improve these and other applications and also to better understand how the FDML laser works, we are not only investigating the applications but also the underlying laser physics. Since the electromagnetic field of the laser light cannot be studied directly due to its high frequency, beating measurements are performed. The light of an FDML laser is superimposed with the light of a continuous wave laser or a second FDML laser and beat signals are generated, which allow indirect conclusions about the light field of the FDML laser. In addition, fast oscilloscopes are used to investigate intensity patterns that occur when the light propagation time and filter frequency are not precisely matched. This research is carried out in cooperation with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Technical University of Munich.

Publications about the laser physics of the FDML laser can be found in the publication list.