Multi-frequency hybrid tunable laser

A laser source comprising:

• an optical amplifier having an inhomogeneously broadened gain material configured to generate a plurality of ensemble gains;
• and
• a silicon photonic integrated circuit including a first optical filter and a second optical filter;
• wherein a first laser cavity includes the optical amplifier, the first optical filter optically coupled to each other and at least two mirrors, and the first optical filter is tunable to a respective first ensemble gain generated by the optical amplifier;
• wherein a second laser cavity includes the optical amplifier, the second optical filter optically coupled to each other and at least two mirrors, and the second optical filter is tunable to a respective second ensemble gain generated by the optical amplifier;
• and
• wherein the second ensemble gain is different from the first ensemble gain.

A transmitter comprising:

• a modulator;
• an optical amplifier having an inhomogeneously broadened gain material configured to generate a plurality of ensemble gains;
• and
• a silicon photonic integrated circuit including a first optical filter and a second optical filter;
• wherein a first laser cavity includes the optical amplifier, the first optical filter optically coupled to each other and at least two mirrors, and the first optical filter is tunable to a respective first ensemble gain generated by the optical amplifier;
• wherein a second laser cavity includes the optical amplifier, the second optical filter optically coupled to each other and at least two mirrors, and the second optical filter is tunable to a respective second ensemble gain generated by the optical amplifier;
• and
• wherein the second ensemble gain is different from the first ensemble gain.