Opto-VLSI-based tunable multiwavelength fiber lasers

In this paper, we review the various tuning mechanisms and gain mechanisms for single-wavelength and multi-wavelength tunable fiber lasers and discuss their advantages and limitations. We also propose and demonstrate the concepts of novel single- and multi-wavelength tunable laser structures employing Opto-VLSI technology in conjunction with optical amplifiers. We experimentally demonstrate tunable fiber laser structures capable of generating single and/or multiple wavelengths laser sources with laser linewidth as narrow as 0.05 nm, optical side-mode-suppression-ratio (SMSR) of about 35 dB with excellent stability at room temperature and output power uniformity less than 0.5 dB over the whole C-band.