Mutual optical injection in coupled DBR laser pairs

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Semiconductor Lasers
• Nonlinear Optics

Background:

• Distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) lasers are crucial for integrated photonics.
• Understanding optical coupling is vital for advanced laser functionalities.
• On-chip amplification introduces complex nonlinear interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally investigate nonlinear optical coupling effects.
• To study these effects in an ultra-short coupling regime.
• To analyze amplified feedback via a common on-chip optical amplifier.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a DBR laser pair on a single chip.
• Introduction of optical coupling using back reflection from a cleaved fiber.
• Amplification of optical feedback through a double pass in a common on-chip optical amplifier.
• Variable coupling strength by adjusting fiber distance.

Main Results:

• Observed nonlinear effects characteristic of mutual optical coupling.
• Demonstrated an ultra-short coupling regime.
• Showcased amplified feedback leading to further nonlinear phenomena.
• Achieved controllable coupling strength without significant impact on coupling time.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully demonstrates controllable nonlinear optical coupling in a DBR laser pair.
• The findings highlight the potential for novel functionalities in integrated photonic devices.
• The experimental setup provides a platform for exploring complex light-matter interactions in coupled laser systems.