All-optical synchronization and multiplication of the frequency of mode-locked signals

The authors report all-optical synchronized multiplication by rational fractions of the modulation frequency of optical signals in self-pulsing two-section semiconductor laser diodes. The effect is based on the overlap of harmonics of the input signal with harmonics of the self-pulsation. This new generic function is illustrated with mode-locked inputs rich in harmonics, where fractions of 1, 2, and 3/2 are generated, and a number of applications for this effect are identified.<
>