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Pulse shortening of gain switched single mode semiconductor lasers using a variable delay interferometer.
Antonio Consoli1, Ignacio Esquivias
1Departamento de Tecnología Fotónica y Bioingeniería - CEMDATIC, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria 28040 Madrid, Spain. antonio.consoli@tfo.upm.es
Optics Express
|October 6, 2012
Summary
We developed a novel pulse shaping technique using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer to shorten pulses from semiconductor lasers. This method successfully reduced pulse durations by 25-30% in experiments.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Semiconductor Lasers
- Pulse Shaping Technology
Background:
- Gain-switched semiconductor lasers are crucial for various applications.
- Existing pulse shortening methods may lack versatility.
- Efficient pulse manipulation is key for advanced optical systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a novel pulse shaping and shortening technique.
- To investigate the spectral and temporal properties of modified laser pulses.
- To demonstrate the broad applicability of the proposed method.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a Mach-Zehnder interferometer with variable delay for pulse manipulation.
- Employing numerical simulations to analyze pulse characteristics.
- Conducting experimental validation with Distributed Feedback (DFB) and Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) at 1.5 µm.
Main Results:
- Achieved significant pulse duration reduction of 25-30%.
- Confirmed the technique's effectiveness through numerical simulations and experimental data.
- Demonstrated consistent performance across different laser types (DFB and VCSEL).
Conclusions:
- The proposed Mach-Zehnder interferometer technique offers effective pulse shortening for gain-switched semiconductor lasers.
- The method's flexibility allows application to various devices and pulse types.
- This technique enhances the utility of gain switching in laser pulse generation.
