Comparison of Monolithic Optical Frequency Comb Generators Based on Passively Mode-Locked Lasers for Continuous Wave mm-Wave and Sub-THz Generation

• Published in: Journal of lightwave technology Vol. 30; no. 19; pp. 3133 - 3141
• Main Authors: Criado, A. R., de Dios, C., Acedo, P., Carpintero, G., Yvind, K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01-10-2012; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Circuit properties; Electric, optical and optoelectronic circuits; Electronics; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Integrated optics. Optical fibers and wave guides; Laser optical systems: design and operation; Mm-wave and THz photonic synthesis; Optical and optoelectronic circuits; Optical fibers; optical filtering; Optical filters; optical frequency comb; optical heterodyne photomixing; Optical mixing; Optical superlattices; Optics; passively mode-locked lasers; Physics; Resonators, cavities, amplifiers, arrays, and rings; Performance evaluation; Diode; optical frequency comb; Optical frequency; Ring laser; Mm-wave and THz photonic synthesis; Millimetric wave; Continuous wave; Harmonic generator; Submillimeter wave generation; Cavity resonator; Fabry Perot resonator; Monolithic integrated circuit; Dynamic characteristic; Frequency multiplier; Ring resonator; Line width; Pulsed laser; Automatic measurement; Mode locked laser; Pulsed source; optical heterodyne photomixing, passively mode-locked lasers; optical filtering; Comparative study; Figure of merit
• ISSN: 0733-8724; 1558-2213
• DOI: 10.1109/JLT.2012.2211998

In this paper, two different Passive Mode-Locked Laser Diodes (PMLLD) structures, a Fabry-Perot cavity and a ring cavity laser are characterized and evaluated as monolithic Optical Frequency Comb Generators (OFCG) for CW sub-THz generation. An extensive characterization of the devices under study is carried out based on an automated measurement system that systematically evaluates the dynamic characteristics of the devices, focusing on the figures of merit that define the optimum performance of a pulsed laser source when considered as an OFCG. Sub-THz signals generated with both devices at 60 GHz and 90 GHz are presented and analyzed in terms of electrical linewidth to compare such components for mm-Wave and sub-THz photonic generation. This work offers a systematic comparison of PMLLD devices for OFCG operation and provides reference information of the performance of two different device topologies that can be used for the implementation of photonic integrated sub-THz CW generation.