Directly modulated parity-time symmetric single-mode Fabry-Perot laser

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Controlling laser resonant modes, output power, and modulation bandwidth is crucial for applications like communication systems.
• Fabry-Perot (FP) resonators are intrinsic multiple mode resonators, posing challenges for single mode operation.
• Achieving high performance in lasers often involves complex designs and fabrication processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate single mode operation in an intrinsic multiple mode FP resonator.
• To investigate the potential of parity-time (PT) symmetry breaking for laser mode selection.
• To explore a cost-effective and high-performance laser candidate for communication systems.

Main Methods:

• Breaking parity-time (PT) symmetry within an FP resonator.
• Utilizing two identical FP resonators to form a symmetric system.
• Employing electrical pumping for direct modulation and small-signal response analysis.

Main Results:

• Achieved single mode operation lasing in a multiple mode FP resonator by breaking PT symmetry.
• Demonstrated high output power with reduced fabrication difficulty and intracavity losses compared to ring resonators.
• Successfully showed small-signal response and direct modulation capabilities with electrical pumping.

Conclusions:

• Breaking PT symmetry is an effective strategy for mode selection in high-performance FP lasers.
• PT-symmetric FP lasers offer a cost-effective alternative for practical applications in communication systems.
• This research opens new pathways for designing advanced laser systems with tailored properties.