Flexible optical networking employing integrated frequency combs

Optical frequency comb sources have proven to be useful in applications such as frequency metrology [1], spectroscopy [2], space-based instruments [3] and dense/ultra-dense wavelength division multiplexed high speed optical communications [4]. These applications require highly coherent, stable and cost efficient optical comb sources. Other important comb parameters include a flexible free spectral range (FSR) and uniform power distribution amongst the frequency components. In order to enable the practical use of comb sources in ≥100G next generation optical transport networks, a key issue to be considered is the footprint/compactness of the device as this directly relates to the ease of manufacturing (cost), power consumption, and reliability. Therefore, monolithically integrated comb sources [5, 6] with simple and compact designs could be highly beneficial. In this work, the authors present a gain switched [7] integrated optical frequency comb and demonstrate its optimum features. In addition, the employment of this comb in a flexible optical networking environment will be reviewed and experimental results presented.