Laser components

Abstract

The chapter covers InP based laser diodes (1.3-1.6 μm wavelength range) deployed as transmitter devices in today’s optical communication systems. Only discrete directly modulated devices are considered in this chapter which is followed by two other laser related articles dealing specifically with ultra-fast and wavelength-unable devices. In the first part a description of basic laser structures and technology, of relevant gain materials and their impact on lasing properties is given. This is followed by summarizing fundamental characteristics of Fabry-Pérot devices. Recent achievements on the derivative semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOA) will then be addressed which are no longer treated in a dedicated chapter in this re-edited book. The second part is devoted to single-wavelength lasers focusing on design aspects and various implementations. Essentially distributed feedback (DFB) devices are treated but other options like so-called “discrete mode” laser diodes will also be outlined. The third part of this chapter is devoted to surface emitting laser diodes, mainly vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL) are also including horizontal cavity DFB structures designed for surface emission.