RUGGEDIZED LASER DIODE PACKAGE FOR WAVELENGTH DIVISION MULTIPLEXED(WDM) NETWORKS

The goal of the program is to develop a single-mode fiber pigtailed tunable laser diode transmitter, suitable for operation in both digital and analog military/aerospace avionic WDM network environments. The transmitter will include low-profile (at least 32 output wavelengths for tunable) WDM transmitter packaging approaches with state-of-the-art or better operation at data rates > 10 Gb/s digital or up to 20 GHz analog at package case temperatures ranging between –54 and +95 °C. Phase II program will design and develop prototypes of the tunable transmitter that are able to meet the shock, vibration, humidity, thermal cycling and accelerated aging criteria for operation in Navy harsh environment. Two technologies will be explored for attaching the output fiber to the modulator. One is the development of laser welding of the output fiber to the modulator. The second is a high temperature adhesive coupling technology. The performance of transmitters built through both approaches will be evaluated by environmental testing of the devices during the program. Two iterations of prototype builds are planned for in the program. The transmitters will be evaluated for optical and electrical performance as well as perform preliminary evaluation of the transmitter for environmental effects by building prototypes and subjecting them to testing with shock, vibration, humidity, and thermal cycling over –54 to 95 deg C. Two transmitters will be delivered for testing. The transmitters will be more extensively tested for environmental criteria for Navy operation after phase II, in an optional program for the duration of one year.