Multiple-Long-Wavelength Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser Arrays

This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research proposal describes a means to develop extremely-affordable and high-performing multi-wavelength laser arrays for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) applications. The WDM transmitter module is based on vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers emitting in the 1530-1565nm region of flat gain in Er-doped fibers. Methods are described to produce precisely-defined vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays which: 1) efficiently utilize wafer real estate; 2) have precise and uniform wavelength distributions despite wafer thickness nonuniformity and wafer-to- wafer thickness variation; 3) are compatible with known multiplexing technologies; 4) have minimum wavelength variation with temperature. These methods will combined with additional Picolight technology to maximize VCSEL efficiency, manufacturability an performance. The Phase I effort will, at a minimum, produce an optically-pumped 1.55um WDM VCSEL array in a manufacturable structure. Practical 1.55um WDM VCSEL arrays will be developed in Phase II. Multi-wavelength VCSEL arrays represent a much-lower-cost, more-controllable alternative to distributed-feedback laser arrays for WDM sources. The difference in fiber launch powers is largely equalized the use of an Er-doped fiber amplifier.