Simultaneous Microwave- and Millimeter-Wave Signal Generation With a 1310-nm Quantum-Dot-Distributed Feedback Laser

Simultaneous generation of microwave- and millimeter-wave (mm-wave) signals is demonstrated experimentally using a 1310-nm quantum-dot-(QD)-distributed-feedback (DFB) laser. The reported technique is based on the period-1 dynamics and dual-mode lasing induced in the laser device under external optical injection. Tunability of the generated microwave- and mm-wave signals is obtained. Furthermore, abrupt switching between different frequency regimes in the microwave- and mm-wave bands is also observed. These novel frequency switching mechanisms added to the tuning capability of the system offer exciting prospects for novel uses of QD lasers in ultrahigh-frequency applications. Our approach also benefits from a simple experimental configuration using basic optical fiber components making our technique totally compatible with optical telecommunication networks.