Spectral linewidth reduction of quantum cascade lasers by strong optical feedback

Abstract

In this work, we propose to employ strong optical feedback to narrow the spectral linewidth of quantum cascade lasers without using any phase control. Rate equation analysis demonstrates that optical feedback beyond a certain level always reduces the laser linewidth for any feedback phase. It is also found that the linewidth becomes less sensitive to the feedback phase for higher feedback strength. Simulations show that optical feedback with a feedback ratio of-10 dB can suppress the laser linewidth by about two orders of magnitude. This is in contrast to near-infrared laser diodes, which can be easily destabilized by strong feedback.