Multiple wavelength tunable surface-emitting laser arrays

Author

Chang-Hasnain, Connie J. ; Harbison, J.P. ; Zah, Chung-en ; Maeda, M.W. ; Florez, L.T. ; Stoffel, N.G. ; Lee, Tien-Pei

Author_Institution

Bellcore, Red Bank, NJ, USA

Volume

27

Issue

6

fYear

1991

fDate

6/1/1991 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

1368

Lastpage

1376

Abstract

Techniques to achieve wavelength multiplexing and tuning capabilities in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are described, and experimental results are given. The authors obtained 140 unique, uniformly separated, single-mode wavelength emissions from a 7×20 VCSEL array. Large total wavelength span (~ 430 Å) and small wavelength separation (~ 3 Å) are obtained simultaneously with uncompromised laser performance. All 140 lasers have nearly the same threshold currents, voltages, and resistances. Wavelength tuning is obtained by using a three-mirror coupled-cavity configuration. The three-mirror laser is a two-terminal device and requires only one top contact. Discrete tuning with a range as large as 61 Å is achieved with a small change in drive current of only 10.5 mA

Keywords

laser cavity resonators; laser tuning; semiconductor laser arrays; laser performance; multiple wavelength tunable surface emitting laser arrays; resistances; three-mirror coupled-cavity configuration; three-mirror laser; threshold currents; total wavelength span; tuning capabilities; two-terminal device; uniformly separated single mode wavelength emissions; vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers; voltages; wavelength multiplexing; wavelength separation; Laser feedback; Laser transitions; Laser tuning; Optical arrays; Optical surface waves; Quantum well lasers; Surface emitting lasers; Surface waves; Tunable circuits and devices; Vertical cavity surface emitting lasers;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9197

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/3.89953

Filename

89953