Injection-Locked Unidirectional Semiconductor Ring Lasers? A Novel Class of Ultrafast Transmitters

目的：光注入锁因其在半导体激光器的数字和模拟应用中具有改善超高频性能的潜力而受到积极的研究。提出的研究探索了一种新的注入锁定方案，该方案基于单向半导体环形激光器（USRLs）与分布式布拉格反射器（DBR）激光主芯片的单片集成，预计将产生低成本的超快（超过100 GHz）功能芯片，该芯片将易于在实践中使用。单usrl和级联系统都将被研究。对注入锁定微环USRLs进行超高频调制实验测试。将探讨数字和模拟调制。智力优势：半导体环形激光器尚未用于通过注入锁定技术增强调制带宽。该研究为基于微环USRLs的新型超高速集成光源的开发提供了科学依据，具有彻底改变光通信领域的潜力。USRLs的使用为开发适合于光传输网络的超高速芯片提供了希望。研究结果对半导体激光器的基础物理学和应用物理学都具有重要意义。更广泛的影响：单片集成注入锁定USRLs调制带宽增强的首次演示，将为创建高性能、小尺寸、低成本、超高速集成光源开辟新的机会，适用于各级电信网络。开发速度超过100ghz的廉价超快芯片将增加光纤网络的传输容量，从而对社会产生巨大影响。

Objective: Optical injection locking has been actively researched for its potential to improve ultrahigh frequency performance of semiconductor lasers for both digital and analog applications. The proposed research explores a new injection-locking scheme, based on unidirectional semiconductor ring lasers (USRLs) monolithically integrated with distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) laser masters, which is expected to result in low-cost ultrafast (over 100 GHz) functional chips that will be easy to use in practice. Both single-USRL as well as cascaded systems will be investigated. Experimental tests will be performed on ultrahigh frequency modulation of injection-locked microring USRLs. Both digital and analog modulation will be explored.Intellectual Merit: Semiconductor ring lasers have not yet been used for modulation bandwidth enhancement by injection-locking technique. The proposed research has the potential of revolutionizing the field of optical telecommunication by providing scientific basis for development of a novel class of ultra-high-speed integrated light sources based on micro-ring USRLs.The use of USRLs holds promise for development of ultra-high-speed chips suitable for use in optical transmission networks. The results will be important for both fundamental and applied physics of semiconductor lasers.Broader Impacts: First demonstration of modulation bandwidth enhancement in monolithically integrated injection-locked USRLs will open up new opportunities for creation of high performance, small size, low cost, ultra-high-speed integrated light sources for all levels of telecommunication networks. Development of inexpensive ultrafast chips operating at speeds exceeding 100 GHz will have a huge societal impact by increasing the transmission capacity of fiber-based networks.