Transform-limited picosecond optical pulses from a mode-locked InGaAs/AlGaAs QW laser with integrated passive waveguide cavity and QW modulator

Abstract
Using a novel single-top molecular beam epitaxy growth technology on nonplanar substrates, an InGaAs/AlGaAs laser amplifier has been integrated with a 4-mm-long passive waveguide cavity and a QW modulator. Lasing action of the entire structure was achieved by a current of 60 mA flowing through the amplifier section. Mode-locking experiments in which an RF signal was applied to the modulator segment led to nearly-transform-limited pulses with a duration of 4.4 ps and a time-bandwidth product of 0.43.