Quasicontinuous wavelength tuning in super-structure-grating (SSG) DBR lasers

Fast Tuneable InGaAsP DBR Laser Using Quantum-Confined Stark-Effect-Induced Refractive Index Change

“…Distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) are typically used to provide filtering of the laser cavity modes and select one mode from the spectrum, as they offer larger tuning ranges relative to distributed feedback lasers. Devices incorporating more complex multiple tuning sections (e.g., periodically sampled grating elements) such as the sampled-grating DBR laser (SG-DBR) [4], the superstructure grating DBR laser (SSG-DBR) [5], and the grating-assisted codirectional coupler with sampled reflectors (GCSR) [6], [7] have demonstrated wide tuning ranges (>40 nm) and high unwanted mode suppression. However, the tuning speed of lasers based on current injection depends on the carrier density changes required to obtain tuning and is limited by the carrier lifetime in the passive (nonamplifying) sections.…”

Sampled grating DBR laser as a spectroscopic source in multigas detection at 1.52–1.57 μm

“…Independent tuning of each sampled-grating section's peak reflection wavelength is performed via independently controlled current injection into each passive section, where plasma and band-filling effects [3] mediate the tuning behaviour. Details of the SG-DBR widely tuning mechanism are reported elsewhere [3].…”

“…The most promising widely tuneable laser structures reported in recent years include multisection DBR lasers [l] with tuning ranges 5 10 nm and SG-DBR lasers [2] with discontinuous tuning capability of 5 57 nm. Other widely tuneable structures such as the SSG-DBR [3] and the GCSR [4] lasers have achieved tuning ranges of G 100 nm while retaining operating characteristics similar to those of distributed feedback (DFB) lasers.…”

Fast Wavelength Switching Lasers Using Two-Section Slotted Fabry–PÉrot Structures

“…Taking into account these characteristics, the most suitable lasers for use in wavelength packet-switched systems are electronically tunable devices [3]. Typical examples of such devices are grating-assisted codirectional coupler with sampling grating reflector (GCSR) lasers [2], [4], [5], the sample grating distributed Bragg reflector (SG-DBR) structure [6], [7] and super-structure grating DBR lasers [8]. These devices can achieve tuning ranges in excess of 60 nm, SMSRs exceeding 40 dB, output powers above 10 dBm, and switching times in the order of 5 ns using advanced electronic drive circuitry [9].…”