Quantum Dot Passively Mode-Locked Laser Optimization for High-Power and Short Pulses

The performance optimization of monolithic two-section passively mode-locked quantum-dot lasers is investigated using the finite-difference traveling-wave model changing simultaneously the length of the saturable absorber and the cavity reflectivity. We demonstrate that, by properly choosing these two parameters, a reduction in the pulse width from 4.4 ps to 930 fs and an increase in the product of the peak power and the average power from 0.012 to 0.2 W
²
were obtained. In addition, clear trends and design guidelines are extracted from the simulation results and explained.