1.3-(mu)m continuously tunable distributed feedback laser with constant power output based on GaInNAs-GaAs

We have investigated tunable distributed-feedback (DFB) lasers based on GaInNAs quantum wells grown by molecular-beam epitaxy. Three-section tunable DFB lasers were fabricated by patterning laterally gain coupled binary superimposed gratings perpendicular to a ridge waveguide. The discrete tuning range covers 24 nm with sidemode suppression ratios of about 35 dB. The lasers were tuned continuously over a range of over 10 nm with a constant power output of 15 mW per facet.