Quantum-Dot Laser Elevates Efficacy of Frequency Combs for PICs

University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) researchers led by John Bowers have developed a quantum-dot (QD) mode-locked laser that allows amplitude-modulated (AM) and frequency-modulated (FM) combs to be generated independently from the same device. The broadband, dual-mode laser could enable opportunities for small-footprint, energy-efficient frequency combs for silicon PICs in data centers and other applications.