Multi-wavelength channel 1.5 μm and 10 Gb/s EMBH DFB-LD array module using SAG technology

A multi-wavelength channel distributed feedback laser diode array (DFB-LDA) for the low-cost and low-power consumption applications of WDM-based datacentre networks is reported. The gain spectrum and lasing wavelength of each channel are controlled by using selective area growth and E-beam lithography techniques, respectively. To reduce the operation current and parasitic capacitance of the proposed array, an etched mesa buried hetero-structure (EMBH) is introduced. From this study, it was found that an eight-channel 300 μm long λ/4-shifted DFB-LDA has a threshold current of 10 ± 1.5 mA and a side mode suppression ratio of over 50 dB at a current of 50 mA for all channels. A transmission test for this LDA showed a clear eye opening with a dynamic extinction ratio of over 4.5 dB at 10 Gb/s after a 2 km transmission.