Modelocking laser including self-tuning intensity-dependent reflector for self-starting and stable operation

The present invention is an improved modelocked laser comprising an optical gain medium and an optical cavity including a self-tuning saturable reflector incorporating one or more quantum wells. In the improved laser, the self-tuning saturable reflector comprises a first Bragg grating having a refle...

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Bibliographische Detailangaben
Hauptverfasser:	KNOX, WAYNE HARVEY, CUNNINGHAM, JOHN EDWARD
Format:	Patent
Sprache:	eng
Schlagworte:	BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS, THE OPTICAL OPERATION OF WHICH ISMODIFIED BY CHANGING THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIUM OF THEDEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF THE INTENSITY,COLOUR, PHASE, POLARISATION OR DIRECTION OF LIGHT, e.g.SWITCHING, GATING, MODULATING OR DEMODULATING DEVICES USING STIMULATED EMISSION ELECTRICITY FREQUENCY-CHANGING NON-LINEAR OPTICS OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS OPTICS PHYSICS TECHNIQUES OR PROCEDURES FOR THE OPERATION THEREOF
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Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:	The present invention is an improved modelocked laser comprising an optical gain medium and an optical cavity including a self-tuning saturable reflector incorporating one or more quantum wells. In the improved laser, the self-tuning saturable reflector comprises a first Bragg grating having a reflection spectrum broader than the spectrum of desired lasing and an additional Bragg reflector for light in the spectral region of lasing to provide self-starting and stable operation without mechanical tuning. The Bragg reflectors are preferably semiconductor quarter wave reflector stacks, and the saturable absorber is one or more quantum wells within the outer stack. The invention also encompasses the new saturable reflector used in such lasers.