Electrical wavelength-tuning in external cavity semiconductor laser using a compensated dispersion-tuning approach

Electrically wavelength-selectable picosecond outputs have been generated from a semiconductor laser using a new approach of compensated dispersion-tuning in an all-fiber self-seeding configuration. The tuning scheme is free from mechanical adjustment and can be performed at a constant operating frequency. A tuning range over 18.5 nm is achieved with most outputs having a SMSR beyond 30 dB. A linear relation between the wavelength and the electrical delay time is recorded, agreeing well with the calculation.