Working principle of the quantum-dot mode-locked laser. (IMAGE)
Caption
The quantum-dot (QD) laser is a promising platform for the generation of both frequency-modulated (FM) and amplitude-modulated (AM) combs. The mechanisms of these combs are different and determined by the gain dynamics of the laser. The AM comb formation requires a slow gain, which can be achieved by applying a low injection current to the QD laser’s gain section. The FM comb formation relies on a fast gain to generate giant Kerr nonlinearity and four-wave mixing. This can be realized by simply controlling the biases on the gain and the saturable absorber. Engineering of the Kerr nonlinearity contributes to a large improvement in the 3-dB optical bandwidth to 2.2 THz.
Credit
by Bozhang Dong, Mario Dumont, Osama Terra, Heming Wang, Andrew Netherton, and John E. Bowers
Usage Restrictions
Credit must be given to the creator.
License
CC BY