Broadly Tunable InGaAsP/InP Laser Based on a Vertical Coupler Filter with 57nm Tuning Range

Abstract

Broadly tunable semiconductor lasers are important sources for a number of applications, especially wavelength division multiplexed networks and switching systems. Presently, the most developed monolithic tunable lasers, the distributed feedback (DFB) or distributed Bragg reflector (DBR), are limited to an ~10nm electrical tuning range. By integrating a grating-assisted vertical coupler as a tunable intracavity filter in a novel active/passive monolithic laser, we have achieved a measured tuning range of 57nm.