Fully Programmable Kerr Comb Mode-Locked Fiber Laser

Since their first conception in the 60’ s, mode-locked lasers (MLL) [1] have proved their efficiency to provide broad and coherent combs. Based on passive mode-locking strategies [2], ultrashort (sub-picosecond) and stable pulse trains are commonly realized nowadays [3]. Nevertheless, those broadband spectrums are generated at low repetition rate (sub GHz) which constitute the principal limitation of such approach. Over the last decades, Kerr comb regains attention towards providing broad spectrum and high repetition rate [4]. In particular, nested cavity architectures are of prime interest due to their efficiency and self-stabilization capabilities [5], yet the repetition rate of such lasers remains fixed by the dimensions of the resonator employed. Here, we propose a novel approach for fiber Kerr comb laser, including a Programmable Delay Line (PDL) based on photonic integrated circuits (Fig. 1a) [6]. We numerically show that, by selecting the required harmonic of the MLL oscillation, this device allows for controlling the repetition rate of a Kerr comb generated within a nested cavity configuration [7].