Ultrastable millimetre-wave signal generationusing hybrid modelocking of a monolithic DBR laser

Abstract

Very efficient ultrastable millimetre-wave signal generation using hybrid modelocking of a monolithic distributed Bragg reflector semiconductor laser is demonstrated for the first time. Unlike conventional hybrid modelocking methods, a low-power (–1 dBm) RF signal is applied to the saturable absorber section of the laser. The detected laser output gives a 34 GHz signal with phase noise < –70 dBc/Hz at 5 kHz offset.