Quasi-super-continuum generation using ultrahigh-speed wavelength-tunable soliton pulses

Abstract

A quasi-super-continuum (quasi-SC) source is demonstrated as a new broadband light source for the first time to our knowledge using electronically controlled ultrahigh-speed wavelength tuning of a femtosecond soliton pulse. The scanning speed is as fast as 1 MHz. The center wavelength, bandwidth, and spectrum shape can be changed arbitrarily. The generated quasi-SC is evaluated by detecting the interference signal in a Michelson interferometer. It was confirmed that the quasi-SC source worked like the conventional SC source for the incoherent interferometer system.