LAUSR

Abstract. A method based on harmony search (HS) algorithm for designing an optical comb generator with excellent flatness is proposed. The comb generator with simple structure consists of four phase modulators with a single laser as the input, single radio frequency (RF) bias with different amplitudes, and DC bias for each modulator. No RF phase shifter, filter, or fiber loop is needed. Instead of following a classic mathematical model for finding the values of RF amplitudes and DC voltages for generating an optical comb, HS algorithm is implemented, which is an intelligent algorithm inspired from the improvisation of music players and seeks for the most harmonized answers corresponding to flat optical combs. The simulation results of generating two sets of optical combs by HS algorithm with 43 and 53 lines with flatness of 0.51 and 0.59 dB and then after inclusion of power conversion efficiency in the objective function of HS algorithm, two other sets of combs with 47 and 55 lines, flatness of 1.64 and 1.77 dB, and power conversion efficiency of 28% and 32% are presented. Such a device can be used in wavelength-division multiplexing systems and many other applications.