Quantum cascade laser integrated optical frequency combs

Jerome Faist

Because their phase can be compensated by a grating-based stretcher compressor and further controlled by RF injection, quantum cascade laser based optical frequency comb generation allowed the generation of pulse as short as 630fs after compression, value confirmed using an upconversion technique with a sub-picosecond time resolution. Another possibility is the direct generation of optical solitons using ring quantum cascade lasers in which, by using a very low lateral loss waveguide, the symmetric counter-propagating modes undergo a spontaneous symmetry breaking and generate solitons. We are also exploring the integration of such sources in a common InP platform together with passive waveguides.

Jérôme Faist obtained his Diploma and Ph.D. in Physics (1989) from EPFL. After working at IBM Rueschlikon (89-91) and Bell Laboratories (91-97), he was full professor in the University of Neuchâtel (1997) and then ordinary professor in the ETH Zurich (2007). His work on the quantum cascade laser was recognized by a number of awards that include the IEEE/LEOAS William Streifer award(1998) the National Swiss Latsis Prize 2002. He member of the NAE and fellow of IEEE and Optica.