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High-repetition-rate pulse generation via self-sustaining cross-gain modulation in a semiconductor-based laser
Optics Letters
|December 1, 2023
Summary
We developed a simple method for generating high-repetition-rate laser pulses using semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs). This technique achieves GHz pulse rates without active modulation, enabling efficient optical pulse generation.
Area of Science:
- Laser physics
- Semiconductor optoelectronics
Background:
- Generating high-repetition-rate (GHz) optical pulses is crucial for many applications.
- Existing methods often require complex active modulation or saturable absorbers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a simple and efficient method for generating regular pulse trains with GHz repetition rates.
- To demonstrate pulse formation in semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) lasers without active modulation.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a ring laser configuration with a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA).
- Implementing negative optical feedback (NOF) to induce self-sustaining cross-gain modulation.
- Achieving stable pulse generation by matching modulation frequencies to laser mode spacing and feedback gain spectrum.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated reproducible, stationary pulse generation at strictly defined repetition rates.
- Generated sub-nanosecond pulses with repetition rates up to 1.79 GHz.
- Confirmed the feasibility in a simple fiber cavity SOA-based laser.
Conclusions:
- The proposed method offers a simple and efficient way to achieve GHz pulse repetition rates in SOA lasers.
- Self-sustaining cross-gain modulation with NOF is effective for mode-locked laser operation.
- This technique eliminates the need for active modulators or saturable absorbers.
