Tunable and non-reciprocal dual-wavelength SOA-fiber ring laser

Abstract

Dual-wavelength fiber lasers provide a low cost and simple method for the optical generation of microwave and THz radiation over the electrical techniques. The main reported technique for this purpose is based on the use of FBGs with two different and close wavelengths allowing these two wavelengths only to oscillate within a laser cavity comprising EDFA or SOA gain medium, where the latter provides much less homogeneous line-broadening and improved stability. Non-conventional FBGs and filtering mechanisms were reported all based on unidirectional configuration, where the two wavelengths propagate in the same direction in the ring laser. In this work, we report a tunable dual-wavelength ring laser including non-reciprocal circulators connected back to back providing uncommon path and allowing for having each wavelength rotating in a different direction in the ring. This technique provides the flexibility of controlling each of the wavelengths separately in terms of tunability, polarization and losses. Two tunable Fabry-Perot filters are inserted in the uncommon path and the wavelength of the CW and the CCW waves are controlled independently. Polarization controllers are used in the ring to achieve better stability and achieve single longitudinal mode of operation. For a given settings of the filters, the wavelength of the CW wave is 1485.2 nm while the CCW wave wavelength is 1488.5 nm. The generation of tunable dual wavelength laser is demonstrated by tuning of either of the Fabry-Perot filters. For instance, the CCW wave was tuned from 1532.2 nm to 1534.1 nm while holding the CW at 1535.2 nm. The results demonstrate the generation of tunable dual-wavelength laser output in the proposed nonreciprocal ring, which allows for tunable THz generation.