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High-bandwidth directly modulated quantum-well-intermixed membrane feedback laser on silicon
Optics Letters
|April 15, 2026
Summary
We developed a new laser for AI data centers that achieves a record 36 GHz bandwidth, enabling faster data transfer at low energy consumption. This breakthrough supports next-generation optical interconnects for high-density computing.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Optical Engineering
- Semiconductor Lasers
- Data Center Technology
Background:
- Rapid AI cluster scaling necessitates high-density, energy-efficient optical interconnects.
- Existing solutions face challenges meeting stringent bandwidth and power demands for short-reach communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel directly modulated laser for enhanced optical interconnects.
- To achieve high bandwidth and low operating energy for AI data center applications.
Main Methods:
- Developed a membrane III-V-on-SiO2/Si distributed-reflector laser.
- Utilized quantum-well-intermixed passive Bragg reflectors for stable optical feedback.
- Employed the detuned-loading (DL) effect for bandwidth enhancement.
Main Results:
- Achieved a DL-induced relaxation oscillation frequency up to ~24 GHz.
- Demonstrated a record 3-dB DL-enhanced modulation bandwidth exceeding 36 GHz (+45% improvement).
- Supported 128 Gb/s PAM-4 operation with a low bit-error rate (BER < 3.8 × 10^-3) at 0.21 pJ/bit.
Conclusions:
- The developed laser offers robust bandwidth enhancement and low operating energy.
- It is suitable for next-generation co-packaged optics and short-reach data center connectivity.
- This technology addresses critical needs for high-performance AI infrastructure.
