Title :
Long-term wavelength stability of 1.55-μm tunable distributed Bragg reflector lasers
Author :
Delorme, F. ; Terol, G. ; de Bailliencourt, H. ; Grosmaire, S. ; Devoldere, P.
Author_Institution :
BD/CNET/DTD/CPO, OPTO+, France Telecom, Bagneux, France
Abstract :
To investigate physical mechanisms involved in long-term wavelength drift of tunable distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) laser, the evolution of the tuning characteristics as well as the Bragg section intensity modulation response of several DBR lasers have been simultaneously assessed by current injection in the Bragg section only. Current versus voltage I(V) characteristics under aging have also been recorded to compare the role of leakage current and nonradiative recombination defect evolution. The wavelength drift as well as the carrier lifetime of the tuning section varies following an exponential law A+Bexp(-tA/τ) versus aging time tA. The time constant τ is aging temperature and Bragg current dependant. The carrier lifetime decreases with time indicating a wavelength drift mainly due to nonradiative recombination defect increase. Modeling of the IB(V) and λB(IB) characteristics is presented, that fits nicely the experimental data. The exponential form of the wavelength drift is used to propose novel and adequate burning conditions of DBR lasers
Keywords :
carrier lifetime; distributed Bragg reflector lasers; infrared sources; laser frequency stability; laser transitions; laser tuning; semiconductor lasers; 1.55-μm tunable distributed Bragg reflector lasers; Bragg current dependant; Bragg section; Bragg section intensity modulation response; aging temperature; aging time; carrier lifetime; current injection; exponential law; leakage current; long-term wavelength drift; long-term wavelength stability; nonradiative recombination defect evolution; nonradiative recombination defect increase; physical mechanisms; time constant; tunable distributed Bragg reflector; tuning characteristics; tuning section; wavelength drift; Aging; Charge carrier lifetime; Distributed Bragg reflectors; Intensity modulation; Laser theory; Laser tuning; Leakage current; Stability; Tunable circuits and devices; Voltage;
Journal_Title :
Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
DOI :
10.1109/2944.788409