Simultaneous fast wavelength switching and intensity modulation using a tunable DBR laser

The use of a three-section distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) laser to switch wavelengths rapidly and simultaneously transmit data by intensity modulation is discussed. This combination simulates the operation of a tunable transmitter in a multiwavelength packet switch. In this type of switch, each output port is tuned to receive data on a unique, fixed wavelength; packets are routed from input ports to the appropriate output ports by wavelength addressing. In each transmission cycle, the input port transmitter tunes to the wavelength associated with the intended output port and subsequently broadcasts the data packet. Limitations on various system parameters, such as the number of allowed channels, the wavelength switching times, and packet lengths (residency times), as determined by thermally-induced wavelength drifts are also discussed. The advantages of using a single device for both fast wavelength switching and direct data modulation are significant: the elimination of external modulators improves both the simplicity of the implementation and the available power budget.<>