Precise Grating Profile Evaluation for DFB Lasers Using an Optical Metrology

A precise grating profile evaluation method for distributed-feedback (DFB) laser diodes was achieved using a simple optical metrology. Spectroscopic scatterometry, an optical-wavelength light-diffraction technique, is emerging as a fast, accurate, and nondestructive means of monitoring profiles. A photoresist grating pattern on an InP substrate and an etched InP grating with periods of 0.2 and 0.24 mum were successfully evaluated by using unpolarized simple optical metrology. A precise grating profile evaluation technique with an accuracy of nanometers enabled us to obtain an accurate coupling coefficient (kappaL) for DFB laser diodes. DFB laser diodes with well-controlled kappaL are very promising for practical use in cost-effective optical networks.