A coherent reference field that selects the measured optical quadrature through its relative phase. Mode matching and phase stability determine how faithfully the desired signal optical quadrature is sampled.
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A **local oscillator** (LO) is an essential component in various radio and communication systems, typically used in the process of mixing signals. Its main function is to provide a stable and continuous frequency that is combined with an incoming signal to produce an intermediate frequency (IF) or a baseband signal. This process is fundamental in both transmitters and receivers, particularly in systems such as radios, televisions, and radar.