Nanosecond tuning of a DS-DBR laser for dynamic optical networks

Fast switching, widely tunable semiconductor lasers will be essential in dynamic wavelength provisioning in future optical networks where data is transmitted in optical bursts or packets ranging from 100 ns to 100 ms at standard ITU-T wavelengths. Of the several designs proposed, the Digital Super-mode-Distributed Bragg Reflector (DS-DBR) is of particular interest since it is able to cover its full tuning range with high and uniform output power and Side Mode Suppression Ratio (SMSR), using significantly lower tuning currents, thus, reducing wavelength error from thermal transients and noise from current sources. Here, we describe the nanosecond switching characteristics and demonstrate full burst transmitter (BTx) functionality, required for future optical burst switched networks, for the first time.