Space-Based Near-IR Monolithic Tunable Laser

QuantTera is developing a near-IR voltage tunable laser for space based laser communications. We have developed a unique device platform that is capable of providing laser emission from 1300 nm to 1600 nm. In particular this proposal is focussed in developing a tunable laser near 1550 nm with a tuning range of 75 nm. This platform will achieve wavelength resolution of 0.1 pm with tuning speeds greater than 100 nm/s with output powers exceeding 4 mW. The materials are radiation hard and have demonstrated long life for space applications. The laser is fully monolithic with present sizes on the order of 15x5x5 mm. This laser is ideal for space applications where size and weight are critical factors. This laser chip will include additional control electronics to make the tunable light output very stable. Additionally this is a fully monolithic module, which should result in enhanced reliability.