Chirp-compensated 40-GHz mode-locked lasers integrated with electroabsorption modulators and chirped gratings

Abstract

40-GHz short-pulse generation of monolithic mode-locked lasers integrated with electroabsorption modulators and chirped gratings is reported. Theoretical analysis of active mode-locking based on a Gaussian model is described. Chirped gratings are shown to compensate the optical-frequency chirp and extend the repetition frequency range. Nearly transform-limited pulses of less than 4 ps are experimentally generated over a wide range of repetition frequencies from 38 to 41 GHz.