title: Algorithm-based continuous pulse duration tuning and performance control of a mode-locked laser diode.
abstract: A control algorithm is presented that addresses the stability issues inherent to the operation of monolithic mode-locked laser diodes. It enables a continuous pulse duration tuning without any onset of Q-switching instabilities. A demonstration of the algorithm performance is presented for two radically different laser diode geometries and continuous pulse duration tuning between 0.5 ps to 2.2 ps and 1.2 ps to 10.2 ps is achieved. With practical applications in mind, this algorithm also facilitates control over performance parameters such as output power and wavelength during pulse duration tuning. The developed algorithm enables the user to harness the operational flexibility from such a laser with 'push-button' simplicity.
authors.affiliation: SUPA School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9SS, UK. nkm2@st-andrews.ac.uk
authors.forename: N K
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Metzger
authors.forename: V F
authors.initials: VF
authors.lastname: Olle
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wonfor
authors.forename: R V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Penty
authors.forename: I H
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mazilu
authors.forename: C T A
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Sibbett
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor; D008027:Light; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012542:Scattering, Radiation