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Widely wavelength switchable V-coupled-cavity semiconductor laser with ∼40 dB side-mode suppression ratio
Jialiang Jin1, Lei Wang, Tingting Yu
1Centre for Integrated Optoelectronics, State Key Laboratory of Modern Optical Instrumentation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China 310027.
Optics Letters
|November 4, 2011
Summary
This study demonstrates a novel, compact, single-electrode laser that digitally switches wavelengths. It offers a high side-mode-suppression-ratio (SMSR) and serves as a cost-effective alternative for optical networks.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Optical Engineering
- Semiconductor Device Physics
Background:
- Tunable lasers are crucial for optical communication systems.
- Existing tunable lasers often involve complex designs, multiple fabrication steps, and intricate tuning algorithms, increasing cost and limiting widespread adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally demonstrate a novel, single-electrode-controlled, digitally wavelength-switchable V-coupled-cavity laser.
- To showcase its high performance in terms of side-mode-suppression-ratio (SMSR) and channel count.
- To highlight its potential as a low-cost, compact alternative for optical networks.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a V-coupled-cavity laser device.
- Implementation of a single-electrode control for digital wavelength switching.
- Experimental characterization of channel spacing, SMSR, and device footprint.
Main Results:
- Successful demonstration of a digitally wavelength-switchable V-coupled-cavity laser controlled by a single electrode.
- Achieved high SMSR in the 40 dB range.
- Demonstrated sixteen-channel and twenty-six channel lasers with 100 GHz spacing and maximal SMSRs of 40 dB and 37 dB, respectively.
- Device dimensions are remarkably small (500 μm × 300 μm).
Conclusions:
- The developed laser offers a simple, compact, and high-performance solution for wavelength switching.
- It eliminates the need for complex gratings, multiple epitaxial growths, or sophisticated tuning algorithms.
- This technology presents a promising low-cost alternative to current tunable lasers for extensive use in optical networks and other applications.
