Semi-integrated designs for external cavity tunable lasers
US7257142B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 29, 2004 |
| Grant date | Aug 14, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S5/142
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Semi-integrated external cavity diode laser (ECDL) designs including integrated structures comprising a gain section, phase control section, and optional modulator section. Each integrated structure includes a waveguide that passes through each of the sections. A mirror is defined in the structure to define one end of a laser cavity. A reflective element is disposed generally opposite a rear facet of the gain section, forming an external cavity therebetween. A tunable filter is disposed in the external cavity to effectuate tuning of the laser. During operation, a modulated drive signal is provided to the phase control section. This modulates an optical path length of the laser cavity, which produces an intensity (amplitude) modulation in the laser output. A detector is employed to produce a feedback signal indicative of the intensity modulation that is used for tuning the laser in accordance with a wavelength locking servo loop. Upon passing through the modulator section, an optical signal is modulated with data.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.