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1 × 8 MMI based multi-channel interference laser integrated with SOA through a 2-port multimode interference
Optics Express
|August 19, 2018
Summary
This study presents a widely tunable laser using multimode interference (MMI) and a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA). The integrated design simplifies fabrication and achieves a 52.5 nm tuning range with high output power.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Laser Technology
- Integrated Optics
- Semiconductor Devices
Background:
- Widely tunable lasers are crucial for optical communication and spectroscopy.
- Existing tunable laser designs often face challenges with fabrication complexity and optical loss.
- Integration of semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) can enhance laser performance but requires careful design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a novel widely tunable laser architecture integrating a semiconductor optical amplifier.
- To demonstrate a simplified fabrication process for a multi-channel interference (MCI) laser.
- To characterize the performance of the integrated tunable laser, including tuning range, side mode suppression ratio, and output power.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a 1x8 multimode interferometer (MMI) based MCI laser.
- Integration of a 2-port multimode interference reflector (MIR) without additional fabrication steps.
- Design and implementation of a tapered shallow-deep transition structure to minimize waveguide mode mismatch loss.
- Characterization of the laser's tuning range, side mode suppression ratio (SMSR), and fiber-coupled output power.
Main Results:
- Successful integration of a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) into the MCI laser via a 2-port MIR.
- Achieved a wide tuning range of 52.5 nm.
- Maintained side mode suppression ratios (SMSR) above 40 dB across the entire tuning range.
- Obtained an output power exceeding 13 dBm coupled into a lensed fiber at room temperature.
- Demonstrated a low insertion loss of 0.09 dB ± 0.03 dB for the tapered transition structure.
Conclusions:
- The reported MMI-based MCI laser with integrated SOA offers a simplified fabrication process.
- The device exhibits excellent performance characteristics, including a broad tuning range and high output power.
- This integrated tunable laser technology holds promise for applications requiring flexible and efficient light sources.
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