Hybrid integrated chip-scale laser systems

Abstract

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) allow for the rapid advancement of a wide range of optical devices on a compact platform, making them more useful and readily available in the commercial market. Various materials such as III-V semiconductors, silicon, silicon nitride, lithium niobate, and polymers are used to create PICs with certain unique properties. Hybrid integration can combine multiple material platforms via optical coupling and realize multi-functional PICs that overcome the limitations of a single material platform. This allows for a broad application base for hybrid integrated PICs, greatly enhancing their usability and practicality. In this paper, we will discuss the methodology and applications of hybrid integration for chip-scale laser systems, including narrow linewidth, widely tunable external cavity lasers, laser beam combining, integrated frequency combs, and integrated Pockels lasers.