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Switchable double wavelength generating vertical external cavity surface-emitting laser
Optics Express
|March 26, 2014
Summary
This study demonstrates switchable dual-wavelength generation from a single laser chip. Pump power adjustments tune the laser between two distinct wavelengths for versatile applications.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Semiconductor Lasers
Background:
- Vertical external cavity surface-emitting lasers (VECSELs) offer potential for tunable wavelength generation.
- Achieving multiple, switchable wavelengths from a single VECSEL chip remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate switchable dual-wavelength generation from a single VECSEL chip.
- To investigate the effect of pump power on wavelength switching in a two-mode resonant microcavity.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a VECSEL chip with a single set of quantum wells within a two-mode resonant microcavity.
- Utilizing pump power modulation to induce wavelength switching.
- Characterizing the output power and wavelengths of the generated laser emission.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated switchable generation of two distinct wavelengths (λ≈967 nm and 1,018 nm) from a single VECSEL chip.
- Achieved an output power of approximately 0.5 W for both wavelengths, with a spectral distance of 51 nm.
- Confirmed that pump power changes alter the active region temperature, spectrally tuning the gain spectrum to one of the two cavity modes.
Conclusions:
- Pump power modulation is an effective method for achieving switchable dual-wavelength operation in VECSELs.
- The demonstrated VECSEL design enables flexible wavelength selection within a single device.
- This technology holds promise for applications requiring tunable or multiple laser wavelengths.
