Waveguide arrays and spectral filtering for multi-frequency mode-locked pulse sources

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

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

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 publicationPhotonics North 2009
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
EventPhotonics North 2009 - Laval, QC, Canada
Duration: 24 May 200927 May 2009

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume7386
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferencePhotonics North 2009
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityLaval, QC
Period24/05/0927/05/09

Keywords

  • Mode-locked lasers
  • Waveguide arrays
  • Wavelength-division multiplexing

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