System performance of a wavelength division multiplexed source using a multichannel grating cavity laser

Reports on investigations to determine the performance of a recently developed multichannel grating cavity (MGC) laser for use in wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) systems with large spectral separations between channels. Depending upon the application, the MGC laser can operate either as a wavelength switchable source or as a device able to generate multiple spectral channels simultaneously. The laser allows wavelength switching between channels across the entire laser gain spectrum and is designed to allow a large spectral channel separation (>1 nm) with the potential for stable narrow linewidth monomode operation. Particular emphasis is given to channel crosstalk reduction and spectral switching times as low as 2 ns are reported