Monolithically integrated mode-locked ring lasers andMach-Zehnder interferometers in AlGaInAs

[摘要] In this thesis, monolithically integrated photonic devices for next generation opticaltelecommunications networks were investigated, namely semiconductor modelockedring lasers and Mach-Zehnder interferometers operating at 1550 nm. Fabricatedon the aluminium quaternary, the 2.3mm long passively mode-locked ringdevices produced 1 ps pulses at a repetition rate of around 36GHz. It was foundthat the symmetrically placed dual saturable absorber configuration lead to thelargest area of stable mode-locking, agreeing well with theoretical predictions inthe literature. Optical harmonic injection mode-locking was found to improve thepulse timing stability, with a reduction in the radio frequency 3 dB linewidth from1.4MHz down to 108 kHz, indicating a vast improvement in timing jitter. Thesputtered SiO2 quantum-well intermixing technique allowed for the realisation ofboth symmetric and asymmetric arm length Mach-Zehnder interferometers, whichwere demonstrated as an electro-optic switch, tunable wavelength filter and opticalcode division multiple access encoder/decoder. The work concluded with themonolithic integration of a mode-locked ring laser and asymmetric Mach-Zehnderinterferometer to demonstrate a simple, yet effective, photonic integrated circuit.

[发布机构] University:University of Glasgow;Department:School of Engineering

[关键词] Photonics, lasers, integration