Quantum Noise Controlled Laser for Integrated Photonics

This proposal aims to develop Quantum Noise Controlled Lasers or QNCLs for integrated photonic transmitters and receivers for high-speed optical communication systems. The laser is based on the novel quantum noise control paradigm where the engineering of the laser structure controls the amount of spontaneous emission injected into the lasing mode, which is the main source of noise in state-of-the-art semiconductor lasers. The reduction of laser phase noise is critical for optical transmitters and receivers in high-speed (Tbps) coherent communication links employing advanced modulation formats. In addition to the very narrow linewidth (<5 kHz), this effort will develop key features of the laser that are major enablers for integrated photonic circuits: very low sensitivity to optical feedback, which eliminates the need for integrated optical isolators; and high output power, which is necessary to overcome losses in integrated waveguides and modulators. High speed communication using advanced modulation formats will be demonstrated using the QNCL in a coherent optical communication link.