Broad-band laser emission and optical mode-locking of a Fabry-Perot laser formed between two Linearly Chirped Fiber Bragg Gratings

Abstract

Experimental measurements of light emitted by a novel type of broad-band laser are presented. The laser cavity is realized by placing a Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA) between two Linearly Chirped Fiber Bragg Gratings (LCFBGs). The P-I (power-current) curve of this structure and its spectral distribution of optical power at high currents show similarities with those of continuum lasers. Finally, a simple all-optical mode-locking is realized by injecting a master laser inside the cavity. The efficiency of the mode-locking is shown to be much higher in the bandwidth corresponding to the initial lasing emission.