Hybrid soliton pulse source using a silica waveguide external cavity and Bragg reflector

Abstract
We describe the first results for a hybrid soliton pulse source, combining a mode-locked semiconductor laser with a silica waveguide external cavity and Bragg reflector. Near transform limited pulses at 1.55 μm have been obtained at pulse widths and repetition rates compatible with practical soliton transmission system. A novel new mechanism of cavity length detuning is described, which gives the device an extended operating frequency range over which useful mode locking occurs.