Stabilization of self-mode-locked quantum dash lasers by symmetric dual-loop optical feedback

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Date
2018-02-13
Authors
Asghar, Haroon
Wei, Wei
Kumar, Pramod
Sooudi, Ehsan
McInerney, John G.
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Optical Society of America
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Abstract
We report experimental studies of the influence of symmetric dual-loop optical feedback on the RF linewidth and timing jitter of self-mode-locked two-section quantum dash lasers emitting at 1550 nm. Various feedback schemes were investigated and optimum levels determined for narrowest RF linewidth and low timing jitter, for single-loop and symmetric dual-loop feedback. Two symmetric dual-loop configurations, with balanced and unbalanced feedback ratios, were studied. We demonstrate that unbalanced symmetric dual loop feedback, with the inner cavity resonant and fine delay tuning of the outer loop, gives the narrowest RF linewidth and reduced timing jitter over a wide range of delay, unlike single and balanced symmetric dual-loop configurations. This configuration with feedback lengths of 80 and 140 m narrows the RF linewidth by ∼ 4–67x and ∼ 10–100x, respectively, across the widest delay range, compared to free-running. For symmetric dual-loop feedback, the influence of different power split ratios through the feedback loops was determined. Our results show that symmetric dual-loop feedback is markedly more effective than single-loop feedback in reducing RF linewidth and timing jitter, and is much less sensitive to delay phase, making this technique ideal for applications where robustness and alignment tolerance are essential.
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Mode-locked lasers , Fluctuations, relaxations, and noise , Laser stabilization
Citation
Asghar, H., Wei, W., Kumar, P., Sooudi, E. and McInerney, J. G. (2018) 'Stabilization of self-mode-locked quantum dash lasers by symmetric dual-loop optical feedback', Optics Express, 26(4), pp. 4581-4592. doi: 10.1364/OE.26.004581
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© 2018 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing Agreement. 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 modifications of the content of this paper are prohibited.