Dual optical frequency comb architecture with capabilities from visible to mid-infrared

In this paper, a new approach to dual comb generation based on well-known optical techniques (Gain-Switching and Optical Injection Locking) is presented. The architecture can be implemented using virtually every kind of continuous-wave semiconductor laser source (DFB, VCSEL, QCL) and without the necessity of electro-optic modulators. This way, a frequency-agile and adaptive dual-comb architecture is provided with potential implementation capabilities from mid-infrared to near ultraviolet. With a RF comb comprising around 70 teeth, the system is validated in the 1.5 mu m region measuring the absorption feature of H13CN at 1538.523 nm with a minimum integration time of 10 mus.The authors would like to thank the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness for supporting the projects under the RTC-2014-2661-7 and TEC-2014-52147-R. The work by Borja Jerez has been performed in the frame of a FPU Program, #FPU014/06338, granted by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports