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Updated: May 20, 2026
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Resonance Fluorescence of an InGaAs Quantum Dot in a Planar Cavity Using Orthogonal Excitation and Detection
Published on: October 13, 2017
1.55 µm InAs/GaAs quantum dots and high repetition rate quantum dot SESAM mode-locked laser.
Z Y Zhang1, A E H Oehler, B Resan
1EPSRC National Centre for III-V Technologies, Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, United Kingdom. ziyang.zhang@shef.ac.uk
Scientific Reports
|June 30, 2012
Summary
Researchers developed quantum dot (QD) semiconductor saturable absorber mirrors (SESAMs) for high-speed lasers. This innovation enables the first 10 GHz QD-SESAM mode-locked laser, advancing coherent communication systems.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Materials Science
- Laser Physics
Background:
- High pulse repetition rate lasers (≥ 10 GHz) are crucial for high data rate coherent communication.
- Semiconductor saturable absorber mirrors (SESAMs) are key components in mode-locked lasers, offering low noise and phase coherence.
- Quantum dot (QD) SESAMs present advantages like reduced saturation fluence, broader bandwidth, and wavelength tunability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an epitaxial process for high-quality 1.55 µm In(Ga)As quantum dots (QDs) on GaAs substrates.
- To integrate these QDs into a SESAM.
- To realize the first 10 GHz repetition rate QD-SESAM mode-locked laser at 1.55 µm.
Main Methods:
- Epitaxial growth of In(Ga)As quantum dots on GaAs substrates.
- Fabrication of SESAMs incorporating the developed QDs.
- Characterization of the QD-SESAM mode-locked laser performance.
Main Results:
- Achieved high optical quality 1.55 µm In(Ga)As QDs with high areal dot density and strong light emission.
- Successfully integrated QDs into a SESAM.
- Demonstrated the first 10 GHz repetition rate QD-SESAM mode-locked laser at 1.55 µm.
- Observed a pulse width of approximately 2 ps from an Er-doped glass oscillator (ERGO).
Conclusions:
- The developed QD structure is highly promising for 1.55 µm QD-SESAM mode-locked lasers.
- This technology advances high data rate coherent communication systems.
- The QD material shows potential for diverse applications including laser diodes, optical amplifiers, and non-linear photonic devices.
