Robust Optical Frequency Comb Generation by Using a Three-Stage Optical Nonlinear Dynamic

Abstract

In this article, we propose and investigate a novel scheme to generate optical frequency combs (OFCs) by using a three-stage generator, which is based on optical injection–induced dynamics cascaded by subharmonic electro-optic modulation and the four-wave mixing (FWM) effect. A primary seed OFC is rooted from the nonlinear dynamics in the optically injected semiconductor laser, and its performance is improved using a two-stage booster based on subharmonic electro-optic modulation and the FWM effect. The comb spacing can be easily tuned by adjusting that of the primary seed OFC or through electro-optic modulation by the use of subharmonics with different orders. Moreover, it becomes stabilized because the phase relationship between the comb teeth can be fixed in the process of subharmonic electro-optic modulation. Its optical spectrum continues to be broadened in the following FWM process. Finally, robust OFCs with a comb spacing of 4 GHz and a comb teeth number of 23 and a comb spacing of 5 GHz and a comb teeth number of 21 are experimentally demonstrated.

Tunable Optical Frequency Comb Generated Using Periodic Windows in a Laser and Its Application for Distance Measurement

“…The method of optical frequency comb generation grounded in laser nonlinear dynamics offers versatile advantages by enabling a range of nonlinear dynamics, and by manipulating controllable parameters such as optical feedback strength, the LD can exhibit various dynamic states, including steady state, P1 oscillation, quasi-periodic oscillation, and chaos, providing flexibility for diverse applications [23,24]. Additionally, it allows a precise control over the comb properties, including repetition rate and comb teeth relative amplitudes, enabling tailored comb solutions for various needs [25][26][27]. Optical injection is a technique that introduces an external perturbation to the LD by injecting light from another LD.…”

“…Optical injection is a technique that introduces an external perturbation to the LD by injecting light from another LD. In previous studies [25,26], an OFC was generated by optically injecting an LD, leading to nonlinear dynamics in the period-one (P1) oscillation state. The repetition rate of the OFC could be tuned using electro-optic modulation.…”