On the spectral properties of widely tunable lasers using grating-assisted codirectional coupling

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Abstract
The analysis of mode-suppression-ratio (MSR) and wavelength tunability of widely tunable semiconductor lasers using grating-assisted codirectional-coupler (GACC) filters is considered. A tradeoff is found between tuning range and spectral purity when using this type of filter as an intracavity mode selector. It is shown that in order to improve the tuning range by a factor of 10 compared to a conventional tunable laser using distributed feedback reflectors (DBRs), one has to tolerate a MSR around 23 dB at 1 mW output optical power/facet for an ideal cavity design. Limitations imposed by the materials are illustrated with design curves based on a vertical-twin-guide structure in both GaAs and InP systems for lasing wavelengths at 0.98 and 1.55 mu m, respectively.