High-performance DFB laser module for space applications: the FP7 HiPPO achievements from chip fabrication to system validation

Abstract

This article reports the development of 200-mW 1.55-µm DFB laser module with RIN below-162 dB/Hz which are well suited for microwave photonics or free space optical communication applications. Specific design has allowed reaching high power (> 300 mW), low noise and high spectral purity laser chip. The chip has been packaged in Butterfly module optimized for reducing the module power consumption. DFB laser module system validations have been done on three laboratory test-beds representative of target applications, namely high-frequency optical LO distribution, photonic RF frequency conversion, and free space optical communication links.

Small signal modulation of photonic crystal surface emitting lasers

“…state-of-the-art) values of modulation response for DFBs 28 , 33 , 34 , VCSELs 35 , 36 , and PCSELs (as determined in this work). Laser class Modulation response (GHz) Initial reports References Optimised reports References DFB 2.5–4.5 33 15–25 28 , 34 VCSEL 3.0–8.0 35 20–35 36 PCSEL 1.55–4.26 Measured > 40 Calculated …”

“…However, these theoretical reports have yet to be realised practically, providing a new research challenge for PCSEL design and manufacture. The initial and optimised values for the modulation response of PCSELs determined in this work compared with the corresponding values for contemporary classes of laser are shown in Table 1 , highlighting the potential for achieving high-modulation rate devices > 40 GHz 28 , 33 – 36 . To date, reports on the operating parameters of InP based PCSEL are comparatively scarce as compared to GaAs, having been initiated much more recently 18 – 20 .…”

“…Despite this being a large area device with contact area of 200 × 200 μm, optimised for high output power, a high -3 dB bandwidth of 4.2 GHz was achieved at room temperature for a bias of 2.2 × threshold. It should be noted that 100 mW class DFB lasers have similar modulation bandwidths 28 . Modulation bandwidths of 1.55 GHz and 3.13 GHz were obtained at 1.1 × and 1.7 × threshold, respectively.…”