Abstract:

The linewidth enhancement factor (LEF) has recently moved into the spotlight of research on frequency comb generation in semiconductor lasers. Here we present a novel modulation experiment that enables direct measurement of the spectrally resolved LEF in a laser frequency comb. By utilizing a phase-sensitive technique, we are able to extract the LEF for each individual comb mode in any laser type. We first investigate and verify this universally applicable technique using Maxwell–Bloch simulations. Following, we present the experimental demonstration on a quantum cascade laser frequency comb, confirming the predicted key role of the LEF in frequency comb dynamics.