10 GHz bandwidth rf spectral analyzer with megahertz resolution based on spectral-spatial holography in Tm³⁺: YAG: Experimental and theoretical study

Different architectures of rf spectral analyzers based on the spectral photography scheme in spectral-hole-burning materials are theoretically and experimentally investigated. The microscopic atomic response for the recording and reading of the rf spectra and taking into account the spatial extension of the beams is calculated for different analyzer configurations. The spectral resolution and the signal-to-noise ratio of the analyzer are derived. These predictions are experimentally tested using spectral-hole burning in Tm³⁺:YAG for a couple of configurations and sizes of the beams. In each case, the resolution, linear dynamic range, and bandwidth of the spectrum analyzer are determined.