Continuous tunability in three-terminal coupled-cavity lasers

Abstract

The continuous tunability of various coupled-cavity semiconductor lasers has been investigated. Monolithic etched groove and cleaved coupled cavity (C3) geometries are included. Using a special method of modulating the laser currents, appreciable tuning ranges have been achieved (∼8 Å) without mode hops. Also, electronic tuning of a laser with no amplitude variation is illustrated. A tuning range of 4 Å with <5% AM depth is observed. Review of the theory and a comparison of the different laser geometries are included.