Reliability considerations of multi-quantum-well sources for optical fiber communication systems

Key components in the rapidly growing optical fiber communication networks are the distributed feedback (DFB) laser and the pump source for fiber amplifiers. There is a need for high reliability sources which are stable throughout operating life, not only in terms of electro- optic parameters but equally important in terms of performance factors specific to the application. Sources are assessed in terms of degradation hazards with the view to building in reliability at the design stage. The paper then reviews the progress towards achieving these objectives for 1.55 micrometers wavelength DFB lasers for direct detection systems and for 1.48 micrometers and 0.98 micrometers wavelength lasers to pump fiber amplifiers.