Tunable multiple-quantum-well distributed-Bragg-reflector lasers as tunable narrowband receivers

Abstract

We report a tunable receiver based on a MQW-DBR laser biased just below threshold. The device simultaneously integrates the functions of a tunable filter, optical amplifier, photodetectorand, if desired, an FSK discriminator. Using identical devices for both a transmitter and a receiver, we demonstrate FSK transmission up to 250 Mbit/s with sensitivities in the ˜- 30dBm range for 10−9 BER. Speed is limited by the transmitter FM response, and independentspeed measurements indicate a detection bandwidth of at least 1.7 GHz.