Low cost 1300 nm edge emitter laser

While optics has proven to be the most practical response to the high traffic rate demand for long haul transmission, its extension to the metropolitan networks down to the home remains an open challenge. Implementation of optics at transmission rate where other technical solutions exist requires cost reduction and simplified manufacturing fabrication. It also requires utilizing the already existing fiber cable networks. Lasers emitting at 1300 nm are well suited for this task and have the potential for responding to the market demand up to several GHz repetition rate. Several steps towards low cost fabrication have already been undertaken: improving the laser resistance to temperature fluctuation in order to remove temperature control elements; improving the laser beam quality to use cheaper or no optics; developing mounting process compatible with passive alignment to a fiber; designing feedback resistant lasers to eliminate the need for optical isolators; reducing the number of selection test during fabrication. We review the recent progress in all these areas and conclude on the future directions and challenges