Tunable multiple-quantum-well distributed-Bragg-reflector lasers as tunable narrowband receivers

Reports a tunable receiver based on a MQW-DBR laser biased just below threshold. The device simultaneously integrates the functions of a tunable filter, optical amplifier, photodetector and, if desired, an FSK discrimination. Using identical devices for both a transmitter and a receiver, we demonstrate FSK transmission up to 250 Mbit/s with sensitivities in the approximately -30 dBm range for 10^-9 BER. Speed is limited by the transmitter FM response, and independent speed measurements indicate a detection bandwidth of at least 1.7 GHz.