A distributed feedback ridge waveguide quantum well heterostructure laser

Abstract
A method for incorporating distributed feedback in a ridge waveguide laser by means of lateral gratings and a single growth step is discussed. The necessary Bragg condition for distributed feedback is satisfied by etching gratings along the ridge in the top confining layer of the laser on either side of the contact stripe. Both Fabry-Periot modes and a single emission peak away from the peak of the gain profile are observed in lasers with cleaved facets. The Bragg reflection emission peak does not shift with increasing drive current, which is characteristic of a distributed-feedback (DFB) laser.