<title>WDM array using long-wavelength vertical-cavity lasers</title>

Abstract

Wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) has long been recognized as an attractive way to exploit the bandwidth of optical fiber. Such systems have been slow to gain commercial acceptance, because of the high cost of WDM components such as Distributed Bragg Reflector lasers and/or Distributed Feedback lasers. We propose that 1300/1550 nm long-wavelength vertical cavity lasers (VCSELs) can be manufactured inexpensively in WDM arrays. VCSELs at 1300/1550 nm have progressed slowly, relative to their 850/980 nm counterparts. In this paper, we review progress in long-wavelength VCSELs, and introduce a new device structure which can provide high CW output power, and wide wavelength operation. We then introduce a method for fabricating VCSELs in WDM arrays, and show initial results.