Interference-filter-tuned, alignment-stabilized, semiconductor external-cavity laser.

We compared the angular alignment tolerance and the tuning range of a novel interference-filter-tuned semiconductor external-cavity laser based on a degenerate resonator with characteristics similar to those of a conventional grating-tuned external-cavity laser using a 1300-nm In GaAsP Fabry-Perot laser with an antireflection-coated facet as the gain medium. The interference-filter cavity had a 260-fold greater alignment tolerance (+/-26 versus +/-0.1 mrad) and nearly the same tuning range (90 versus 110 nm) as the grating-tuned cavity.