Dynamics of single-mode formation in self-seeded Fabry-Perot laser diodes

Abstract
We obtain single-mode picosecond pulses with a tuning range of more than 40 nm by self-seeding of a standard gain-switched Fabry-Perot laser diode. The switch-on behavior is investigated experimentally and numerically for the first time. Stable single-mode operation is reached after /spl les/5 round-trips, which shows the potential for extremely fast wavelength tuning.