Hybrid integration of an eight-channel WDM transmitter and receiver module at 980 nm

Abstract

The inherent information bandwidth of optical fibers between the wavelengths 1.3 and 1.6 micrometers is in the terahertz range. One obvious way to exploit this bandwidth is to use wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM). The Canadian Solid State Optoelectronics Consortium (SSOC), an association of industry, university, and federal government research laboratories, has been developing the component technologies required to demonstrate the operation of an eight channel WDM system. This paper discusses the integration of the transmitter (Tx) and the receiver (Rx) modules using a thin film process on alumina substrates. The Tx module contains a fully integrated eight channel DBR laser array with two quad-laser driver circuits. The signal from the lasers is combined into a single waveguide and is then carried off-chip via a polarization maintaining optical fiber. The Rx module is made up of an integrated receiver circuit, and a series of amplifiers providing the gain required for signal and clock recovery. The receiver circuit consists of an echelle grating which disperses the eight distinct wavelengths into a bank of InGaAs metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) detectors. Some of the performance parameters of the Tx and Rx modules are presented.