Timing jitter and multi-gigahertz pulse train repetition rate control of a long monolithic multi-section quantum dot semiconductor laser

Abstract

Microwave/millimeter-wave signal generation and optical data communication applications demand compact, ultrafast and frequency agile mode-locked lasers. Monolithic semiconductor quantum dot lasers are attractive sources for such time-critical applications. Their repetition frequency is fixed by the laser cavity length and fine-tuning is limited. All-optical or opto-electrical laser stabilization schemes already allow for an improved frequency tuning, they however increase slightly the degree of complexity of the experiment. We present results on the timing jitter and repetition rate control of a monolithic mode-locked semiconductor laser by a specific absorber and gain section placement. We report on wide repetition rate frequency agility and substantial timing jitter reduction simply by gain current biasing.