Application of waveguide arrays and spectral filtering for a multi-frequency picosecond mode-locked pulse source

Edward Farnum, Brandon G. Bale, J. Nathan Kutz

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputConference publication

    Abstract

    Current optical fiber-communication networks increasingly rely on wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) technologies in conjunction with optical time-division multiplexing (OTDM) of individual WDM channels. The combination of high-repetition-rate data streams with a large number of WDM channels has pushed transmission rates to nearly 1 TB/s, creating a demand for all-optical transmission sources that can generate pico-second modelocked pulses at various wavelengths. Through nonlinear mode-coupling in a wave-guide array and a periodically applied multi-notch frequency filter, robust multi-frequency mode-locking can be achieved in a laser cavity in both the normal and anomalous dispersion regimes. We develop a theoretical description of this multiplewavelength mode-locking, and characterize the mode-locked solutions and their stability for an arbitrary number of frequency channels. The theoretical investigations demonstrate that the stability of the mode-locked pulse solutions of multiple frequency channels depends on the degree of inhomogenity in gain saturation. Specifically, only a small amount of inhomogeneous gain-broadening is needed for multi-frequency operation in the laser. In this presentation, the conditions on the system parameters necessary for generating stable mode-locking is explored for arbitrary number of frequency channels. The model suggests a promising source for multi-frequency photonic applications.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationNonlinear Optics and Applications III
    EditorsMario Bertolotti
    Place of PublicationBellingham, WA (US)
    PublisherSPIE
    Number of pages9
    ISBN (Print)978-0-8194-7628-9
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 22 May 2009
    EventNonlinear Optics and Applications III - Prague, Czech Republic
    Duration: 20 Apr 200922 Apr 2009

    Publication series

    NameSPIE Proceedings
    PublisherSPIE
    Volume7354
    ISSN (Print)0277-786X
    ISSN (Electronic)2410-9045

    Conference

    ConferenceNonlinear Optics and Applications III
    Country/TerritoryCzech Republic
    CityPrague
    Period20/04/0922/04/09

    Bibliographical note

    Edward Farnum ; Brandon G. Bale and J. Nathan Kutz; "Application of waveguide arrays and spectral filtering for a multi-frequency picosecond mode-locked pulse source", Proc. SPIE 7354, Nonlinear Optics and Applications III, 73540Q (May 22, 2009).

    Copyright 2009 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited.

    DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/12.823521

    Keywords

    • mode-locked lasers
    • waveguide arrays
    • wavelength-division multiplexing

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