Ultrashort optical pulse source using Mach-Zehnder-modulator-based flat comb generator

We reported ultrashort pulse generation using a Mach-Zehnder-modulator-based flat comb generator (MZ-FCG) and a dispersion-flattened dispersion-decreasing fiber (DF-DDF). Our source has high stability, low jitter, and independent control of the repetition rate and center wavelength. 80 fs-order ultrashort pulse generation was demonstrated. The phase noise of the ultrashort pulse train is determined by that of the microwave signal driving the MZ-FCG, which was -110 dBc/Hz at the offset frequency of 100 kHz. The rms timing jitter of the femtosecond pulses was 80 fs, and the frequency stability evaluated with Allan deviation was in the order of 10−13.