1.5 ¿m wavelength GaInAsP C3 lasers: single-frequency operation and wideband frequency tuning

We have characterised the temporal-spectral behavior of 1.5 ¿m wavelength cleaved-coupled-cavity (C3) lasers. Single longitudinal mode discrimination ratios in excess of 500:1 have been obtained under high bit rate modulation. Bit error rate of less than ¿ 10¿9 were obtained under single-frequency operation with direct modulation up to 1 Gbit/s. Averaged frequency tuning rates as large as 26 Å/mA and frequency tuning excursion of 300 Å were achieved when the C3 laser was operated in a frequency modulation mode.