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Electro-optical resonance modulation of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers
Tim David Germann1, Werner Hofmann, Alexey M Nadtochiy
1Institut für Festkörperphysik, Technische Universität Berlin, EW 5-2, Hardenbergstrasse 36, 10623 Berlin, Germany. tgermann@physik.tu-berlin.de
Optics Express
|March 16, 2012
Summary
This study details a novel electro-optical modulator vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (EOM VCSEL). It achieves over 20 dB modulation with minimal voltage, showing potential for high-speed optical communication.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Semiconductor Lasers
- Integrated Photonics
Background:
- Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are crucial for optical communications.
- Integrating electro-optical modulators (EOMs) with VCSELs presents challenges in device complexity and performance.
- Understanding the compound cavity dynamics is essential for optimizing device operation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To physically understand the complex compound cavity system of an integrated EOM VCSEL.
- To identify optimal working points for the EOM VCSEL's light output.
- To investigate the modulation capabilities and spectral characteristics of the device.
Main Methods:
- Optical and electrical characterization of the integrated EOM VCSEL.
- Utilizing the quantum confined Stark effect to trigger electro-optic resonance.
- Spectral mode analysis and dynamic experiments with simulations.
Main Results:
- Achieved >20 dB modulation of individual VCSEL modes with <100 mV EOM voltage change.
- Observed modulation of higher-order modes with very low wavelength chirp (<0.5 nm).
- Predicted intrinsic bandwidth exceeding 50 GHz through dynamic experiments and simulations.
Conclusions:
- The integrated EOM VCSEL demonstrates efficient modulation capabilities.
- The device exhibits excellent spectral stability and high-speed potential.
- This technology is promising for advanced optical communication systems.
