Abstract
Composite-cavity electro-optic microchip lasers have been proposed as
a source for high-speed, low-noise microwave and optical signals. Such signals
can be produced from a single short-cavity laser using the coupled optoelectronic
oscillation architecture, but strict control of the cavity longitudinal modes
must be maintained to achieve fundamental mode-locking. The mechanism for
this control is studied analytically and it is determined that the Lorentzian
gain approximation does not predict nonadjacent modal effects in short-cavity
lasers. A modification is presented which can explain these effects. Experimentally,
the modal structure of an adjustable short-cavity laser is investigated and
the results are consistent with the revised model. Finally, the results of
the theory are used to design an optimized cavity geometry that is used to
successfully demonstrate FM mode-locking and coupled optoelectronic oscillation
at 20 GHz using a Nd : YVO<sub>4</sub>/MgO : LiNbO<sub>3</sub> prototype.
© 2008 IEEE
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