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Continuously tunable compact lasers based on thermo-optic polymer waveguides with Bragg gratings.
Young-Ouk Noh1, Hyung-Jong Lee, Jung Jin Ju
1ChemOptics Inc, Yusong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
Optics Express
|October 30, 2008
Summary
We developed a low-cost tunable wavelength laser using a polymer waveguide Bragg reflector for optical communications. This device offers precise wavelength control for multiple channels and stable operation across a wide temperature range.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Materials Science
- Optical Communications
Background:
- Wavelength-tunable lasers are crucial for dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) optical communication systems.
- Existing tunable laser technologies often face challenges in cost-effectiveness and integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a cost-effective tunable wavelength laser for WDM optical communications.
- To leverage the thermo-optic effect of polymer waveguides for precise wavelength tuning.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a polymer waveguide Bragg reflector with a micro-heater for thermo-optic tuning.
- Controlled electrical power to the micro-heater to adjust the Bragg reflection wavelength.
- Evaluated wavelength tuning capabilities for multiple channels and continuous tuning.
Main Results:
- Achieved wavelength tuning for 32 channels with 0.8 nm spacing.
- Demonstrated continuous tuning with 0.1 nm wavelength steps.
- Confirmed wavelength stability within 0.15 nm over a -10 to 70 degrees C operating temperature range.
Conclusions:
- The polymer waveguide Bragg reflector offers a viable solution for cost-effective tunable lasers.
- The demonstrated device meets the stability requirements for WDM-PON applications.
- Thermo-optic tuning of polymer waveguides presents a promising approach for future optical communication technologies.
