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Published on: November 22, 2019
Hybrid wavelength-division and optical time-division multiplexed multiwavelength mode-locked semiconductor laser
I Nitta1, J Abeles, P J Delfyett
1School of Optics, Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32816-2700, USA.
A novel multiwavelength laser source generates five simultaneous mode-locked wavelength channels using a semiconductor optical amplifier and WDM filter. This hybrid WDM-optical time-division multiplexed signal offers potential for high-performance optical sampling applications.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Optical Engineering
- Semiconductor Lasers
- Wavelength Division Multiplexing
Background:
- Mode-locked lasers are crucial for high-speed optical communications and sampling.
- Generating multiple, independent wavelength channels from a single laser source is challenging.
- Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is a key technology for increasing optical data capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct and test a novel multiwavelength laser source.
- To demonstrate simultaneous generation of multiple mode-locked wavelength channels.
- To explore the potential of hybrid WDM-optical time-division multiplexed signals for advanced applications.
Main Methods:
- A single semiconductor optical amplifier was used as the gain medium.
- A commercially available wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) filter was integrated into the laser cavity.
- Active mode-locking operation was employed to generate ultrashort pulses.
- A parallel-to-serial wavelength conversion technique was demonstrated.
Main Results:
- Five independent mode-locked wavelength channels were simultaneously generated.
- A consistent wavelength spacing of 1.6 nm was achieved, dictated by the WDM filter.
- The demonstrated wavelength conversion successfully increased the pulse repetition rate.
- The hybrid WDM-optical time-division multiplexed signal showed promise for optical sampling.
Conclusions:
- A compact and effective multiwavelength laser source was successfully developed.
- The integration of WDM filters offers a viable method for multi-channel laser generation.
- The hybrid WDM-optical time-division multiplexing approach presents a pathway to enhanced optical sampling rates.
