Mode-locked repetition-rate feedback stabilization of semiconductor diode lasers

Feedback stabilization of the pulse repetition rate is demonstrated for an external cavity mode- locked semiconductor diode laser. The design procedure for repetition rate feedback stabilization is described. We propose feedback stabilization as a method of pulse stabilization for high repetition rate monolithic devices. These monolithic devices are expected to play an important role in applications such as optical clock generation and millimeter-wave clock distribution, but previously no timing stabilization technique had been developed which could be used up to the maximum repetition rates.