Low-noise, low repetition rate, semiconductor-based mode-locked laser source suitable for high bandwidth photonic analog-digital conversion

A semiconductor-based mode-locked laser source with low repetition rate, ultralow amplitude, and phase noise is introduced. A harmonically mode-locked semiconductor-based ring laser is time demultiplexed at a frequency equal to the cavity fundamental frequency (80 MHz), resulting in a low repetition rate pulse train having ultralow amplitude and phase noise, properties usually attributed to multigigahertz repetition rate lasers. The effect of time demultiplexing on the phase noise of harmonically mode-locked lasers is analyzed and experimentally verified. (C) 2010 Optical Society of Americ