C.W. modelocking of a GaInAsP diode laser

Abstract

Active c.w. modelocking of a GaInAsP double-heterostructure laser diode operating in an external cavity is reported. 18 ps pulses (f.w.h.m.) are obtained at a repetition rate of 2.1 GHz and a lasing wavelength of 1210 nm. The pulses were measured by autocorrelation using s.h.g. in LiIO3. They are the shortest pulses ever reported for a c.w. laser diode.