Abstract

We report the development of a practical subpicosecond source for use in multigigabit communications applications. The repetition rate of the laser is controlled by active mode locking, while subpicosecond pulse durations are attained with passive mode locking. The laser also operates in a single polarization state; many integrated-optics communications system components require linearly-polarized pulses, and any environmental sensitivity of the laser due to varying laser birefringence is avoided.

© 1994 Optical Society of America