Frequency plan and wavelength switching limits for widely tunable semiconductor transmitters

Abstract
As wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) channel spacing continues to decrease in size, and with the application of tunable lasers in dense wavelength-division-multiplexing (DWDM) systems, we demonstrate the ability of tunable semiconductor lasers to cope with demanding channel spacing and inevitable low frequency setting error. By finding the stable operating points of a single tunable laser at the desired frequencies, using advanced software a lookup table to drive the laser was generated. Once the drive currents to access 2000 channels with the laser are found, their frequency setting error and side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) were found. These results open up new possibilities for DWDM access networks as well as providing a limit of achievement for channel density in the network. Meanwhile, since the sampled-grating distributed Bragg reflector (SG-DBR) laser is among the most attractive sources for DWDM, it is important to investigate its wavelength switching characteristics. This behavior will affect wavelength routing and the capability limits for channel reallocation in future networks. We present new detailed experimental studies on a high-speed SG-DBR laser by using a Fabry-Perot interferometer technique adapted for the noncontinuous wave case. Measurements of fast intramodal (i.e., cavity mode) and intermodal (i.e., supermode) wavelength switching and insights into the device's dynamic behavior are obtained. Implications are given for transmitter design in dynamic wavelength routing and channel reallocation.