Cavity Length Independent Continuous Repetition Rate Tuning of a Self-Seeded Gain-Switched Fabry–PÉrot Laser

We propose a novel method that allows continuous repetition rate tuning of a self-seeded gain-switched Fabry-Perot laser without the need for change in cavity length. This is achieved by employing a linearly chirped fiber Bragg grating with a large dispersion parameter. The dispersed pulses overlap to produce a continuous-wave-like feedback into the gain-switched laser cavity. By using the proposed experimental setup, we demonstrate pulses portraying sidemode suppression ratios of at least 30 dB and widths of about 30 ps over the entire repetition rate tuning range of 2.5-10 GHz.