Ultrashort optical pulse generation with a mode-locked long-wavelength (1075-1085 nm) InGaAs-GaAs semiconductor laser

Optical pulses are generated by passive and hybrid mode-locking of a long wavelength (1075-1085 nm) InGaAs-GaAs ridge waveguide laser grown by gas source molecular beam epitaxy. The devices are fabricated with two sections, one of which contains a bend in the waveguide for coupling to an external linear cavity. Pulses 2-5 ps in duration have been generated with average powers ranging from 750 /spl mu/W to 1.8 mW. Pulse compression yields durations as short as 570 fs. Post amplification with a narrow stripe InGaAs-GaAs semiconductor optical amplifier increases the average output power up to 13 mW.