Title :
Integrated Fourier-Domain Mode-Locked Lasers: Analysis of a Novel Coherent Comb Laser
Author :
Heck, Martijn J R ; Bowers, John E.
Author_Institution :
Univ. of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Abstract :
Fourier-domain (FD) mode locking of integrated laser diode structures is studied theoretically and their application for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) comb generation for future terabits per second interconnects is discussed. Twenty-five-gigahertz FD mode-locked structures with ring and Mach-Zehnder-based bandpass filters show comb widths of 1.0-1.8 THz, i.e., 40-72 comb lines, but the mode comb is not flat, which increases the mode relative intensity noise (RIN). It is shown that by combining AM and FD mode-locking wide and flat combs (down to 7 dB) can be achieved, with mode RIN values of less than 0.3%, suitable for error-free transmission. These novel structures have been simulated using experimentally verified parameters and technologically feasible configurations.
Keywords :
band-pass filters; high-speed optical techniques; integrated optoelectronics; laser mode locking; optical communication equipment; optical filters; optical interconnections; semiconductor lasers; wavelength division multiplexing; Mach-Zehnder based bandpass filter; WDM comb generation; coherent comb laser; integrated Fourier domain mode locked laser; integrated laser diode structure; ring structure; terabits per second interconnect; wavelength division multiplexing; Bandwidth; Cavity resonators; Laser mode locking; Optical waveguides; Prognostics and health management; Ring lasers; Wavelength division multiplexing; Fourier-domain (FD) mode locking; integrated optoelectronics; mode-locked lasers; optoelectronic devices; semiconductor lasers;
Journal_Title :
Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
DOI :
10.1109/JSTQE.2011.2113371
