Mode stabilization method for superstructure-grating DBR lasers

A wavelength stabilization method for widely tunable superstructure-grating (SSG) distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) laser is described. The output characteristics under tuning are studied theoretically and experimentally. It is found that peak reflectivity states, in which the lasing mode is just aligned with the reflection peaks of both DBR's, are obtained at saddle points in the output characteristics while changing the two SSG-DBR currents. Based on these results, a method for the Bragg frequency control of the two SSG-DBRs is proposed. The feedback control circuit keeps the lasing mode at a peak reflectivity state, and it suppresses mode hopping. Additionally, the oscillation mode is locked to arbitrary reference wavelengths of an optical filter. Stabilization at 200 GHz (1.6 nm)-spaced 16 wavelengths was achieved within the wide tuning range of the SSG-DBR laser. Control was maintained under a laser temperature variation of /spl plusmn/5/spl deg/C as a result of the Bragg frequency control of the two DBR's.

[1]  K. Oe,et al.  Optical frequency stabilisation and line width reduction of a multielectrode DFB laser with current feedback , 1987 .

[2]  R. Alferness,et al.  Broadly tunable InGaAsP/InP laser based on a vertical coupler filter with 57‐nm tuning range , 1992 .

[3]  Nori Shibata,et al.  Performance of four channel FDM crossconnect switching without bit loss , 1993 .

[4]  L. Coldren,et al.  Theory, design, and performance of extended tuning range semiconductor lasers with sampled gratings , 1993 .

[5]  Nori Shibata,et al.  Performance evaluation of an upgradable passive access network employing downstream WDM packet routing , 1997, Proceedings of Optical Fiber Communication Conference (.

[6]  P.-J. Rigole,et al.  114-nm wavelength tuning range of a vertical grating assisted codirectional coupler laser with a super structure grating distributed Bragg reflector , 1995 .

[7]  Yuzo Yoshikuni,et al.  Broad-range wavelength coverage (62.4nm) with superstructure-grating DBR laser , 1996 .

[8]  U. Koren,et al.  A control loop which ensures high side-mode-suppression ratio in a tunable DBR laser , 1992, IEEE Photonics Technology Letters.

[9]  Frequency Stabilization of AlGaAs DH Lasers , 1981 .

[10]  H. Ishii,et al.  Broad-range wavelength-tunable superstructure grating (SSG) DBR lasers , 1993 .

[11]  S. Suzuki,et al.  Arrayed-waveguide grating for wavelength division multi/demultiplexer with nanometre resolution , 1990 .

[12]  H. Ishii,et al.  Quasicontinuous wavelength tuning in super-structure-grating (SSG) DBR lasers , 1996 .

[13]  U. Koren,et al.  Discretely-tuned N-frequency laser for packet switching applications based on WDM , 1991 .

[14]  Satoru Okamoto,et al.  Network performance and integrity enhancement with optical path layer technologies , 1994, IEEE J. Sel. Areas Commun..

[15]  Uziel Koren,et al.  Broadly Tunable InGaAsP/InP Laser Based on a Vertical Coupler Filter with 57nm Tuning Range, , 1992 .

[16]  H. Tsuchida,et al.  Frequency Stability Measurement of Feedback Stabilized AlGaAs DH Laser , 1980 .

[17]  M. Yamada,et al.  Analysis of almost-periodic distributed feedback slab waveguides via a fundamental matrix approach. , 1987, Applied optics.

[18]  Yuzo Yoshikuni,et al.  Wavelength stabilisation of a three-electrode distributed Bragg reflector laser with longitudinal mode control , 1997 .

[19]  Moshe Tur,et al.  Fast Wavelength-Switching of Laser Transmitters and Amplifiers , 1990, IEEE J. Sel. Areas Commun..