Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Ultra high speed mode-locked lasers, coherent frequency comb lasers and single-mode narrow linewidth DFB lasers have many applications such as high capacity coherent optical superchannel communications, optical clocking, optical sensing and optical sampling. Quantum dot (QD) is the key technology to realize the above applications. Therefore, QD semiconductor mode-locked lasers and single-mode DFB lasers are emerging. The lasers have low threshold, low chip, low linewidth enhancement factor, and much narrow RF linewidth etc. We are going to use the requested characterization platform to investigate innovative quantum dot mode-locked lasers, coherent frequency comb lasers and ultra-narrow linewidth DFB lasers.The requested instruments include ultra-high resolution optical complex spectrum analyzer and high sensitivity optical autocorrelator that will form a characterization platform. The spectrum analyzer will be used for laser emitting optical spectrum analysis such as power and wavelength, and also magnitude and phase of electric fields. This analyzer can be used to analyze the phase noise and phase correlation of laser beams. The autocorrelator can be used to analyze the laser performance in the time domain, such as pulse width, pulse repetition and pulse shape. With this platform we are able to explore and investigate advanced QD lasers that will lead to key inventions and innovations of semiconductor lasers, and large scale photonic integrated circuits.At present, we are leading research in this topic of InP QD lasers in the world. With this proposed platform, that is a basic necessity to get our research to the next level, it will generate more innovative outcomes, collaborations, and benefits to Canada. The proposed characterization platform will enhance and promote the our (Canada) leadership of research and innovation in ultra-high speed quantum dot semiconductor lasers and DFB lasers in the world.