An approach to generate cross-polarization modulation-enabled optical frequency comb with enhanced spectral flatness in traveling-wave semiconductor optical amplifiers

Abstract

Abstract This paper proposes a method for generating an optical frequency comb (OFC) using the cross-polarization modulation (XPolM) effect in a traveling-wave semiconductor optical amplifier (TW-SOA). The TW-SOA acted as a lumped amplifier, enabling pulse generation within the comb. The proposed method of OFC generation achieved a comb spectrum with 51 lines and a maximum power deviation of 1.8 dB, indicating excellent spectral flatness. The proposed approach effectively utilized XPolM in a TW-SOA to create broad flat OFCs. The effectiveness of XPolM depends on various SOA parameters, such as pump and signal powers, and the confinement factor. To understand the XPolM-enabled OFC behavior, various parameters, such as input polarization, bias current, SOA confinement factor, and carrier density, have been optimized. These parameters significantly influenced the generated comb spectrum. This study also provides valuable insights into optimizing comb characteristics through theoretical analysis. The proposed OFC generation was simulated using an OptiSystem simulator. This has paved the way for the potential use of the comb as a multichannel source in various optical devices.