Generation of ultrafast pulse sequences with arrayed waveguide grating multiplexers subjected to modulated external stress

We demonstrate a novel approach to generation of sequences of ultrafast pulses in which external stress is applied to arrayed waveguide grating multiplexers using a corrugated pattern. Stress applied to the grating region modifies the free spectral range resulting in modulation of the response spectrum with the corresponding sequence of ultrafast pulses at each output channel of the device. The repetition rate, number, and width of the pulses within the sequence are determined by the corrugation length and the period of the pattern