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What is a MLS?
(Multi-Branch Laser Station)
A MLS, or Multi-Branch Laser Station, is an optical frequency transfer system designed to distribute an ultra-stable frequency reference across multiple fiber links. It actively compensates for phase noise introduced by the optical fibers and can distribute the reference signal to up to six parallel branches.
The MLS is designed for metrological fiber networks using a star topology. It combines a multi-channel ultra-low-noise optical interferometer with phase-noise compensation and round-trip heterodyne detection, enabling precise frequency dissemination while monitoring the stability of each connected link.
HOW A mls Works
The operation of a Multi-Branch Laser Station can be understood through three main functions:
Signal distribution
The MLS receives an ultra-stable optical frequency reference and distributes it across multiple fiber links, allowing several remote sites to access the same reference.
Phase-noise compensation
Temperature variations, vibrations, and other disturbances introduce phase noise into the fiber links. The MLS actively detects and compensates for these fluctuations to preserve frequency stability.
Stability monitoring
Round-trip heterodyne detection measures the residual instability of each link, allowing the performance of the frequency transfer network to be continuously assessed.
