Optimum stabilization of self-mode-locked quantum dash lasers using dual optical feedback with improved tolerance against phase delay mismatch

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that dual optical feedback with fine phase tuning significantly improves the stability, linewidth, and jitter performance of self-mode-locked quantum dash lasers, offering enhanced robustness over single feedback methods.

Contribution

The study introduces an optimized dual feedback technique with separate cavity tuning, achieving superior stability and noise reduction in quantum dash lasers compared to traditional single feedback.

Findings

Dual feedback narrows RF linewidth to < 1 kHz.

Timing jitter reduced from 3.9 ps to 295 fs.

Enhanced phase delay mismatch tolerance with dual feedback.

Abstract

We experimentally investigate the RF linewidth and timing jitter over a wide range of delay tuning in a self-mode-locked two-section quantum dash lasers emitting at ~ 1.55 micron and operating at ~ 21 GHz repetition rate subject to single and dual optical feedback into gain section. Various feedback conditions are investigated and optimum levels determined for narrowest linewidth and reduced timing jitter for both single and dual loop configurations. We demonstrate that dual loop feedback, with the shorter feedback cavity tuned to be fully resonant, followed by fine tuning of the phase of the longer feedback cavity, gives stable narrow RF spectra across the widest delay range, unlike single loop feedback. In addition, for dual loop configurations, under fully resonant conditions, integrated timing jitter is reduced from 3.9 ps to 295 fs [10 kHz-100 MHz], the RF linewidth narrows from 100 kHz to < 1 kHz, with more than 30 dB fundamental side-mode suppression. We show that dual loop optical feedback with separate fine tuning of both external cavities is far superior to single loop feedback, with increased system tolerance against phase delay mismatch, making it a robust and cost-effective technique for developing practical, reliable and low-noise mode-locked lasers, optoelectronic oscillators and pulsed photonic circuits.