Frequency-comb-referenced multi-channel fiber laser for DWDM communication

Abstract

We propose an all-fiber-based multi-channel optical scheme that enables simultaneous generation of multiple continuous-wave laser wavelengths with stabilization to the frequency comb of a femtosecond laser. The intention is to produce highly stable, accurate wavelength channels with immunity to environmental disturbance so as to enhance the transmission capacity of dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) communications. Generated wavelengths lie over a wide spectral range of 5 THz about 1550 nm, each yielding a narrow linewidth of less than 24 kHz with an absolute position uncertainty of similar to 2.24 x 10(-12) (10 s averaging) traceable directly to the atomic Rb clock. (C)2013 Optical Society of America