Theoretical analysis of wavelength tuning in distributed-feedback lasers by quantum-well intermixing

Author

Chan, K.S. ; Zhan, L. ; Pun, E.Y.B.

Author_Institution

Dept. of Phys. & Mater. Sci., City Univ. of Hong Kong, Kowloon, China

Volume

13

Issue

10

fYear

2001

Firstpage

1058

Lastpage

1060

Abstract

Wavelength tuning in distributed-feedback (DFB) lasers using quantum-well intermixing is analyzed. A 0.42-nm tuning range is obtained when the bandgap is blue-shifted by 5.9 nm, and this value agrees well with the experimental value of 0.36 nm. The limitation of the tuning range is also discussed, and is because of the increase in carrier density that raises the gain above the threshold after intermixing. The dependence of wavelength shift on bandgap blueshift is not affected by the details of the intermixing process. A maximum tuning range of 3.5 nm is predicted, demonstrating that after device fabrication intermixing process can be used to adjust DFB lasers operating wavelengths to match the predefined wavelength channels of wavelength-division-multiplexing system.

Keywords

carrier density; distributed feedback lasers; laser tuning; optical transmitters; quantum well lasers; semiconductor device models; spectral line shift; telecommunication channels; wavelength division multiplexing; DFB lasers; bandgap blueshift; blue-shifted; carrier density; distributed-feedback lasers; fabrication intermixing process; maximum tuning range; quantum-well intermixing; theoretical analysis; tuning range; wavelength channels; wavelength shift; wavelength tuning; wavelength-division-multiplexing system; Laser modes; Laser stability; Laser theory; Laser tuning; Optical device fabrication; Photonic band gap; Quantum well lasers; Semiconductor lasers; Waveguide lasers; Wavelength division multiplexing;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1041-1135

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/68.950734

Filename

950734