Amplification properties of a tunable single transverse mode laser diode

Abstract

The amplification properties of a tunable single transverse mode laser diode can be exploited to be used as an n \times 1 wavelength division switch. This kind of switch is expected to play an important role in telecommunications systems, especially when signals are not synchronous or when signal bit rates are various. The light amplification ratio between a desired main-mode wavelength and undesired submode wavelengths are improved by decreasing injection light power, and a ratio of 8.5 dB is achieved. This experimental result is in good agreement with theory. It is predicted theoretically using rate equations that the ratio is also improved by increasing the laser cavity mirror loss difference between the main mode and the submodes. A light amplification ratio of more than 11 dB is obtained when the cavity mirror loss difference is more than 50 cm-1.