Self-heating allows athermal laser diode wavelength control using a thermally insulating sub-mount over a 70 °C range

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Semiconductor Lasers
• Photonics

Background:

• Maintaining stable laser wavelength is critical for optical communication systems.
• Quantum dot distributed feedback (DFB) lasers offer potential for O-band applications but require precise wavelength control.
• Conventional wavelength stabilization methods can be power-intensive and complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate athermal wavelength stabilization techniques for single-frequency quantum dot DFB lasers.
• To improve the power efficiency of wavelength control mechanisms.
• To achieve high wavelength stability over an extended ambient temperature range.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing laser self-heating for wavelength tuning control.
• Employing a resistive heater for an alternative tuning method.
• Designing an innovative submount with an air gap and glass supports to increase thermal impedance.
• Operating quantum dot lasers at high temperatures.

Main Results:

• Both presented techniques achieved wavelength stability better than 0.1 nm (17.5 GHz) without mode hops over a 74 °C temperature range.
• The methods demonstrated significantly improved power efficiency compared to conventional schemes.
• The submount design effectively enhanced the use of laser self-heating for tuning.

Conclusions:

• Athermal wavelength stabilization of O-band quantum dot DFB lasers is achievable with high stability and improved power efficiency.
• Innovative submount design and leveraging self-heating are key to advanced laser wavelength control.
• These techniques offer a promising solution for robust laser performance in varying thermal environments.