Low-cost, low-noise hybrid lasers for high SFDR RF photonic links

Abstract

Analog optical links require a high-power, very low noise laser in order to maximize SFDR (Spurious Free Dynamic Range) by limiting effects of laser Relative Intensity Noise (RIN) on system performance. DFB laser diodes provide relatively high power, singlemode operation with relatively low noise, however, their RIN is a clear performance limitation in high performance, high SFDR links. More complex lasers, including solid state or fiber lasers [1], can provide low noise performance, and potentially higher power levels, however, these devices have high Size Weight and Power (SWaP) and are significantly more expensive (e.g. 10x) than a semiconductor based laser such as a DFB. Morton Photonics (MP) has developed a semiconductor based Hybrid laser that provides noise performance approaching that of the more complex, higher SWaP devices, but with low SWaP, high reliability, and significantly lower cost.