Abstract: A distributed-feedback laser with wavelength accuracy and spectral purity. An array of lasers with highly reflecting/anti reflecting facets is fabricated on a single chip with controlled variations, in for example laser gratings. A laser that best meets predetermined specifications is selected and configured for use.

Abstract: Many approaches to tunable lasers use an array of DFBs, where each element of the array has a different wavelength. In some operations one element of the array is activated at a time depending on the desired wavelength. For modulated applications, an RF voltage is applied to a specific element of the DFB array, generally using an RF switch. In standard configurations, the demands on the switch are relatively difficult, generally requiring low RF insertion loss and good high frequency performance to 10 GHz. The DFB arrays are generally common cathode or common anode, depending on the type of the substrate used to fabricate the devices. Described herein is an array with a common cathode or anode configuration using a MEMS based switch that shorts the selected laser to RF ground. With this topology, preferably the off-state capacitance should be low with the MEMS switch.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser with an integrated attenuator on the same chip as the laser. In some embodiments the attenuator is formed of the same material as the laser, but without a grating in the attenuator. In some embodiments the laser and attenuator are fabricated concurrently, with the attenuator positioned at the front of the laser and differing from the laser only in not having a grating and having a much smaller length. Level of attenuation by the attenuator is adjustable based on drawing photogenerated current from the attenuator.

Abstract: One or more single mode waveguide devices are fiber coupled such that signals to an optical element affect the coupling of the waveguide device to an optical fiber. A number of systems and methods are disclosed to adjust the coupling of the waveguide device to the optical fiber. These include dithering the tunable optical element at different frequencies along differing axes and using a lock-in technique to derive an error signal for each degree of motion, using a beamsplitter to form a secondary image of the focused beam on a position-sensitive detector, the use of a chiseled fiber to generate reflections from the angled facets, using an additional laser for a secondary image, or obtaining a secondary image from an angled fiber or a parasitic reflection.

Abstract: One or more single mode waveguide devices are fiber coupled such that signals to an optical element affect the coupling of the waveguide device to an optical fiber. A number of systems and methods are disclosed to adjust the coupling of the waveguide device to the optical fiber. These include dithering the tunable optical element at different frequencies along differing axes and using a lock-in technique to derive an error signal for each degree of motion, using a beamsplitter to form a secondary image of the focused beam on a position-sensitive detector, the use of a chiseled fiber to generate reflections from the angled facets, using an additional laser for a secondary image, or obtaining a secondary image from an angled fiber or a parasitic reflection.

Abstract: An optical subassembly (OSA) with components including a microelectromechanical structure (MEMS) is formed with a jig. The jig includes a jig clamp and a jig stencil and allows for the optical components of the OSA to be optically aligned to one another using passive alignment. The jig stencil includes openings for the optical components and have an edge with a retractable portion that urge the optical components into position. The optical components are fixed in position by soldering, and the retractable portions allow for the jig stencil to move relative to the fixed components to avoid misalignment of the OSA components during cooling. The MEMS is then adjusted to maximize optical power directed from a light source, through the optical components, and into an optical transmission medium.

Abstract: A MEMS mirror and method for fabricating the mirror is provided. The mirror has a plurality of structures that operatively rotate around a support structure. The mirror is fabricated, such that the silicon components are separated from a glass structure having electrodes to prevent shorting of the electrodes to the mirror. Additionally, the electrodes are positioned such that providing electrical contact is eased.

Abstract: A photonic device including an array of lasers providing light to an array of electro-absorption modulators, both on a common substrate. In some embodiments the lasers are in a closely spaced array and lase at different wavelengths, providing with associated electro-absorption modulators a compact wavelength selectable laser.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser capable of emitting in any one of standard communication wavelengths is of great practical value. To this end, a single semiconductor chip is fabricated on which many different distributed feedback (DFB) lasers are integrated. The device parameters of the different DFB lasers are varied such that each laser emits at a different wavelength. In addition a micro-mechanical optical element is packaged with the laser array, such that the position of the optical element controls which laser stripe is coupled to the output fiber. The micro-mechanical element or switch in various embodiments is a sliding waveguide, a movable lens, or a mirror that tilts. By selecting the particular DFB laser, controlling the temperature to fine tune the wavelength, and adjusting the position of the micro-mechanical optical element, the output wavelength is set to one of many communication wavelengths.

Abstract: An optical communication system for transmitting multiple optical beams, each at a different wavelength is disclosed. The optical communication system includes a laser array having multiple laser transmitters transmitting multiple optical beams, each at a different wavelength. The optical communication system further includes a diffraction grating optically coupled to the laser array, the diffraction grating diffracting each of the optical beams at a substantially equal diffraction angle to form a combined optical beam. The combined beam is then focused into an optical communication media.

Abstract: A tunable laser formed using a plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers. The output of the vertical cavity surface emitting lasers are re-directed by a moveable element to an optical output.

Abstract: A photonic device and modulating drive circuits. In one aspect the device is an array of lasers with modulator circuits for modulating a single selectable laser of the array of lasers.

Abstract: One or more single mode waveguide devices are fiber coupled such that signals to an optical element affect the coupling of the waveguide device to one or more on chip modulators and to an optical fiber. The optical element or additional optical elements are controlled to adjust the coupling of the waveguide device to an on chip modulator and to an optical fiber.

Abstract: One or more single mode waveguide devices are fiber coupled such that signals to an optical element affect the coupling of the waveguide device to an optical fiber. A number of systems and methods are disclosed to adjust the coupling of the waveguide device to the optical fiber. These include dithering the tunable optical element at different frequencies along differing axes and using a lock-in technique to derive an error signal for each degree of motion, using a beamsplitter to form a secondary image of the focused beam on a position-sensitive detector, the use of a chiseled fiber to generate reflections from the angled facets, using an additional laser for a secondary image, or obtaining a secondary image from an angled fiber or a parasitic reflection.

Abstract: A multi-wavelength laser array where each element can be individually heated for fine tuning. The wavelength of the array can be coarsely tuned by selecting one laser of a particular wavelength for the array, and then applying a heating current to fine-tune the wavelength. The lasers can be phase shifted DFBs for high single-mode yield. The heating can be performed monolithic to the device by passing current longitudinally through the p-type stripe, while the injection current passes vertically through the stripe. Alternatively an adjacent laser to the one selected can be activated, though not fiber coupled, such that the thermal load is sufficient to tune the selected laser. Thin film heaters placed on top or adjacent to the cavity can also be used. To minimize continuous power consumption, the on-chip heater can be used initially to tune the laser while the TE cooler responds on a slower time scale.

Abstract: An optical configuration that provides tunable characteristics. The tunable characteristics are applicable, for example, for channel monitoring, dispersion compensation and polarization-dependent loss. A passive optical element is used where the optical properties of this element varies as a function of position on the element.

Abstract: One or more single mode waveguide devices are fiber coupled such that signals to an optical element affect the coupling of the waveguide device to one or more modulators and to an optical fiber. The optical element or additional optical elements are controlled to adjust the coupling of the waveguide device to a modulator and to an optical fiber.

Abstract: One or more single mode waveguide devices are fiber coupled such that signals to an optical element affect the coupling of the waveguide device to an optical fiber. A number of systems and methods are disclosed to adjust the coupling of the waveguide device to the optical fiber. These include dithering the tunable optical element at different frequencies along differing axes and using a lock-in technique to derive an error signal for each degree of motion, using a beamsplitter to form a secondary image of the focused beam on a position-sensitive detector, the use of a chiseled fiber to generate reflections from the angled facets, using an additional laser for a secondary image, or obtaining a secondary image from an angled fiber or a parasitic reflection.