Characterisation and modelling of a compact multiwavelength ringlaser

Abstract

Detailed spectral characteristics have been measured of an integrated compact multiwavelength ringlaser under a wide range of operating conditions. The laser consists of a single PHASAR and four semiconductor optical amplifiers. It can produce 7 different wavelengths in the 1.5micrometer region, three of which could be produced by driving two SOAs simultaneously. The frequency selective mechanism that led to these combination wavelengths was established and a rate equation model of the laser was written that reproduces the observed behaviour of the laser. Input parameters to the model were derived from the simulation of a number of integrated extended-cavity Fabry-Perot lasers