Coherence transfer in an akinetic swept source OCT laser with optical feedback

TL;DR

This paper explores how optical feedback can stabilize phase and generate specific pulse regimes in a semiconductor swept source laser, enhancing OCT and nonlinear optics applications.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical analysis of optical feedback effects, identifying regimes for phase locking and pulse generation in OCT lasers.

Findings

Optical feedback can lock phase of lasing modes.

Two regimes identified: sliding frequency self-mixing and mode-locking.

Sub-nanosecond pulses achieved for nonlinear optics.

Abstract

We theoretically investigate the influence of optical feedback onto the dynamics of a semiconductor swept source laser. In particular, we show that optical feedback can be used to lock the phase of the successive lasing modes of a multi-section semiconductor laser commonly used for Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) applications. We also identify two different regimes called sliding frequency self-mixing and sliding frequency mode-locking. The second regime demonstrates sub-nanosecond sliding frequency pulses for non-linear optics applications.