@inproceedings{86d7523e8d254235906fee3015f8efab,
title = "Waveguide arrays and spectral filtering for multi-frequency mode-locked pulse sources",
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.",
keywords = "Mode-locked lasers, Waveguide arrays, Wavelength-division multiplexing",
author = "Edward Farnum and Bale, {Brandon G.} and Kutz, {J. Nathan}",
year = "2009",
doi = "10.1117/12.837773",
language = "English",
isbn = "9780819476685",
series = "Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering",
booktitle = "Photonics North 2009",
note = "Photonics North 2009 ; Conference date: 24-05-2009 Through 27-05-2009",
}