An optically triggered oscillator based on wave coupling in a semiconductor optical amplifier

We describe the principles of operation and demonstrate experimentally an optically triggered and controlled oscillator based on wave-coupling-induced feedback in a semiconductor optical amplifier. The generated signal has the combined properties of a laser diode and a parametric oscillator. It has a well-defined frequency relative to that of the pump beam, which can be controlled by the pump power. The oscillator may be the basis for optical phase-locked loops and serve as the optical analog of a microwave voltage-controlled oscillator.<
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