Title :
Tunable external-cavity semiconductor laser using monolithically integrated tapered amplifier and grating coupler for collimation
Author :
Uemukai, M. ; Suhara, T. ; Yutani, K. ; Shimada, N. ; Fukumoto, Y. ; Nishihara, H. ; Larsson, A.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Electron. Eng., Osaka Univ., Japan
Abstract :
A novel lensless tunable external-cavity laser using monolithically integrated tapered amplifier, grating coupler (GC) and an external half mirror is proposed and demonstrated. It can be fabricated by a simple process and emits a collimated output beam. By making use of wavelength dispersion of the GC, the lasing wavelength can be angle tuned. Wavelength tuning over a wide range of 21.5 nm by 4.5/spl deg/ device rotation and an 84-mW output power were achieved under continuous-wave operation. A well-collimated output beam with a divergence angle as small as 0.3/spl deg/ was maintained over the entire tuning range.
Keywords :
diffraction gratings; gradient index optics; integrated optics; laser beams; laser cavity resonators; laser mirrors; laser tuning; optical collimators; optical couplers; optical fabrication; quantum well lasers; ridge waveguides; waveguide lasers; 84 mW; angle tuned lasing wavelength; collimated output beam; collimation; continuous-wave operation; device rotation; divergence angle; external half mirror; fabrication; grating coupler; lasing wavelength; lensless tunable external-cavity laser; monolithically integrated tapered amplifier; output power; tunable external-cavity semiconductor laser; tuning range; wavelength dispersion; wavelength tuning; well-collimated output beam; Collimators; Fiber lasers; Gratings; Laser beams; Laser tuning; Optical coupling; Semiconductor lasers; Semiconductor optical amplifiers; Surface emitting lasers; Tunable circuits and devices;
Journal_Title :
Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE
