20-mW widely tunable laser module using DFB array and MEMS selection

Author

Pezeshki, B. ; Vail, E. ; Kubicky, J. ; Yoffe, G. ; Zou, S. ; Heanue, J. ; Epp, P. ; Rishton, S. ; Ton, D. ; Faraji, B. ; Emanuel, M. ; Hong, X. ; Sherback, M. ; Agrawal, V. ; Chipman, C. ; Razazan, T.

Author_Institution

Santur Corp., Fremont, CA, USA

Volume

14

Issue

10

fYear

2002

Firstpage

1457

Lastpage

1459

Abstract

The authors describe a novel configuration for a wavelength selectable laser that provides wide tuning and distributed-feedback (DFB) performance and reliability at a fundamentally low cost structure. The configuration consists of a DFB laser array and a micromechanical mirror that selects one element of the array. The MEMS tilt mirror also loosens the tolerances, since the fine optical alignment is done electronically. Only one laser is operated at a time, with coarse tuning realized by selecting the correct laser and fine tuning by adjusting the chip temperature. The 33-nm total tuning at 20-mW fiber coupled power is obtained in a fully functional module.

Keywords

distributed feedback lasers; laser mirrors; laser reliability; laser tuning; micro-optics; mirrors; modules; semiconductor device packaging; semiconductor laser arrays; 20 mW; DFB laser array; InGaAsP; MEMS selection; MEMS tilt mirror; chip temperature; coarse tuning; distributed-feedback performance; fiber coupled power; fine optical alignment; fine tuning; fully functional module; fundamentally low cost structure; micromechanical mirror; reliability; strained quantum well InGaAsP gain medium; tolerances; tunable laser package; wavelength selectable laser; widely tunable laser module; Distributed feedback devices; Fiber lasers; Laser feedback; Laser tuning; Micromechanical devices; Mirrors; Optical arrays; Optical tuning; Semiconductor laser arrays; Tunable circuits and devices;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1041-1135

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/LPT.2002.802392

Filename

1037549