Discretely-tuned N-frequency laser for packet switching applications based on WDM

A fast tunable laser for packet switching applications based on wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) is presented. The laser is tunable to 16 discrete frequencies regularly spaced by 43 GHz over a tuning range of 645 GHz centred around a wavelength of 1.53 mu m. It can be switched randomly in less than 5 ns among these frequencies. Importantly, the same comb of frequencies is obtained from different lasers fabricated by the same lithographic process. This greatly simplifies the implementation of optical WDM systems.