Colliding-pulse modelocked quantum dot lasers

Abstract

Colliding pulse modelocking is demonstrated for the first time in quantum dot lasers. Using 3.9 mm-long devices with a 245 µm-long central absorber, 7 ps pulses at a repetition rate of 20 GHz is obtained. For Gaussian pulses a time-bandwidth product close to the Fourier transform limit is determined. These results confirm the potential of quantum dot lasers for high repetition rate harmonic modelocking.