Dual-Mode Microcavity Semiconductor Lasers

Abstract

Dual-mode microcavity semiconductor lasers are investigated for potential applications in photonic microwave and optical frequency comb (OFC) generation. By regulating whispering-gallery modes (WGMs) in square microcavities, dual-mode lasing is achieved with frequency intervals ranging from tens to hundreds of gigahertz. In the square microcavities, the fundamental and first-order transverse WGMs have spatially separated field distributions, which allow stable dual-transverse-mode lasing with mode intervals inversely proportional to the cavity areas. Dual-transverse-mode square microcavity lasers are experimentally demonstrated with frequency intervals ranging from ∼35 to ∼150 GHz. Photonic microwaves and OFCs are successfully generated based on the dual-mode square microcavity lasers. To enhance the transverse-mode intervals, circular-side square microcavity lasers with a square hole in the center are proposed and demonstrated, and dual-transverse-mode lasing with a frequency interval up to ∼0.56 THz is obtained. Furthermore, a square-Fabry–Perot coupled-cavity microlaser is demonstrated to increase the output power and introduce an additional degree for manipulating the lasing modes. Dual-mode lasing is realized with a frequency interval of ∼0.5 THz, a single mode optical fiber coupled power of ∼3 mW, and a wavelength tuning range of ∼10 nm.