Distributed Feedback Laser Diode Research Articles

Correlation-based multiplexing of spectral channels and fiber-optic sensors using unmodulated continuous-wave distributed feedback diode lasers.

In this Letter, we demonstrate a method for the multiplexing of spectral channels and fiber-optic sensors. The method makes use of the correlation-based demultiplexing technique. In our approach, each light source has an inherent phase noise which we propose to use as a "fingerprint" for correlation-based recognition and demultiplexing of spectral channels as well as signals from different sensors in each spectral channel. The proposed method requires for its implementation an extremely simple and robust scheme and can be attractive for budget-sensitive applications. As active elements, it uses only two standard free-running CW distributed feedback (DFB) diode lasers. No modulators or optical filters are required for operation. Results of proof-of-concept experiments are presented for the interrogation of several ultra-weak fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) with reflectivity of 0.05% in a 4-km-long fiber for temperature measurements with the resolution of 0.1°C.

On The Technology of the Bragg Grating for the Laterally Coupled Single-Mode Distributed Feedback Laser Diodes

The paper presents the results of the successful development and application of the diffractive Bragg grating fabrication technology for the single-mode ridge-type DFB laser realization. The single-mode 1550 nm laser transmitters with SMSR not less than 50 dB were first made in Russia. The developed technology is capable of making a dielectric hard mask for etching the laterally coupled grating with periods in the range of 0.19—0.25 um, which corresponds to a wavelength range 1.3—1.6 um, and has been easily incorporated into the conventional route of the DFB-laser manufacturing process of the JSC "NII "Polyus" by M. F. Stelmakh".

GaN-based distributed feedback laser diodes grown on Si

This letter reports on the results of room-temperature electrically injected GaN-based distributed feed-back laser diodes (LDs) grown on Si. A hundred pairs of high-order sidewall gratings were prepared by dry-etching along the ridge to select only single mode, and tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide polishing technology was adopted to remove the etching damage and make the sidewall smooth and steep. As a result, we have successfully fabricated GaN-based distributed feedback LDs grown on Si with a side-mode suppression ratio of ∼10 dB. Further analysis revealed that the fabrication of gratings reduced the injection efficiency and increased the optical loss, which deteriorated the device performance. Further improvements of the laser material quality and device fabrication are underway.

Development of a Sub-ppb Resolution Methane Sensor Using a GaSb-Based DFB Diode Laser near 3270 nm for Fugitive Emission Measurement.

A challenge for mobile measurement of fugitive methane emissions is the availability of portable sensors that feature high sensitivity and fast response times, simultaneously. A methane gas sensor to measure fugitive emissions was developed using a continuous-wave, thermoelectrically cooled, GaSb-based distributed feedback diode laser emitting at a wavelength of 3.27 μm to probe methane in its strong ν3 vibrational band. Direct absorption spectra (DAS) as well as wavelength-modulated spectra (WMS) of pressure-broadened R(3) manifold lines of methane were recorded through a custom-developed open-path multipass cell with an effective optical path length of 6.8 m. A novel metrological approach was taken to characterize the sensor response in terms of the linearity of different WMS metrics, namely, the peak-to-peak amplitude of the X2f component and the peak and/or the integrated area of the background-subtracted quadrature signal (i.e., Q(2f - 2f0)) and the background-subtracted 1f-normalized quadrature signal (i.e., Q(2f/1f - 2f0/1f0)). Comparison with calibration gas concentrations spanning 1.5 to 40 ppmv indicated that the latter WMS metric showed the most linear response, while fitting DAS provides a traceable reference. In the WMS mode, a sensitivity better than 1 ppbv was achieved at a 1 s integration time. The sensitivity and response time are well-suited to measure enhancements in ambient methane levels caused by fugitive emissions.

Bi-Directional Fiber-FSO-5G MMW/ 5G New Radio Sub-THz Convergence

A bi-directional fiber-free-space optical (FSO)-fifth-generation (5G) millimeter-wave (MMW)/5G new radio (NR) sub-THz convergence with intensity-modulated downlink 40 Gbit/s/100 GHz 5G NR sub-THz signals ( <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">x</i> - and <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">y</i> -polarizations), and phase-modulated uplink 10 Gbit/s/28 GHz and 10 Gbit/s/24 GHz 5G MMW signals is established practicably, by adopting a parallel/orthogonally polarized dual-carrier mechanism, phase modulators, and remote injection locking distributed feedback laser diodes (DFB LDs) for demonstration. It is a pioneering work to realize a bi-directional fiber-FSO-5G MMW/5G NR sub-THz convergence for providing high downlink/uplink traffic capacity with accepted transmission performance. Through 20 km single-mode fiber transmission, 500 m free-space link, and 1 m/4 m RF wireless transport, impressively low bit error rate of 10 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">−9</sup> and accepted PAM4/NRZ eye diagrams are acquired. Such established bi-directional fiber-FSO-5G MMW/5G NR sub-THz convergence accelerates a feasible solution that can afford high traffic capacity with qualified transmission performance, and develops the state achieved by the incorporation of optical fiber network with FSO-5G MMW/5G NR sub-THz convergence. It discloses a brilliant convergence developed for bi-directional high-speed and long-reach transmission with given transmission performance.

Self-Start Multi-Wavelength Laser Source with Tunable Delay-Line Interferometer and Optical Fiber Reflector for Wireless Communication System

The radio-over-fiber (RoF) technique has gained a lot of interest recently, as the millimeter-wave signals can be generated and delivered in the optical domain with the advantages of low attenuation, high capacity, and being free from electromagnetic noise interference (EMI). In this paper, we propose and experimentally prove a self-start multi-wavelength laser source based on a distributed feedback laser diode (DFB-LD) for the RoF transport system. The self-start multi-wavelength laser source generates stable laser power with less than 0.18 dB power fluctuation and exhibits good stability. In order to estimate the transmission performance, data is externally modulated onto the multi-wavelength by a reflective semiconductor optical amplifier (RSOA) and transmitted through single-mode fiber (SMF). The experimental result proves that the proposed RoF transport system achieves error-free transmission and clear eye diagrams.

Compact and high reliable frequency-stabilized laser system at 589 nm based on the distributed-feedback laser diodes

Compact and high reliable frequency-stabilized laser system at 589 nm based on the distributed-feedback laser diodes

Tunable diode laser-based two-line thermometry: a noncontact thermometer for active body temperature measurement.

A precise and fast optical thermometer based on a tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy is developed for breath diagnostics with relevance to noncontact body temperature measurement. As water vapor (H2O) is the major component in human breath, two optimal absorption lines of H2O at 1392 nm and 1371 nm are selected for sensitive body temperature measurement by systematically investigating the near-infrared spectral database. The optical thermometer is developed using two distributed feedback diode lasers with the time-division multiplexing technique to achieve real-time measurement. The sensor performance such as accuracy, repeatability, and time response is tested in a custom-designed gas cell with its temperature controlled in the range of 20°C-50°C. By measuring the test air with different water concentrations, the sensor consistently shows a quadratic response to temperature with an R-squared value of 0.9998. Under the readout rate of 1 s, the sensor achieves a measurement precision of 0.16°C, suggesting its potential applications to fast, accurate, and noncontact body temperature measurements.

Parity-time symmetric gratings in 1550 nm distributed-feedback laser diodes: insight on device design rules

We build on former results from our work on parity-time symmetric gratings implemented in 1550 nm distributed-feedback laser diodes to address the design issues raised by the first trends we observed. These laser diodes are of a complex-coupled nature, with modulations of both real and imaginary parts of the effective index, with a relative phase related to the parity-time symmetry. The unidirectionality of the photonic behavior in the reflection mode is dependent on the level of extra losses incurred by the metallic grating used to implement fixed loss modulation onto a nearly uniform gain, either as a first-order or a third-order grating. The observed behavior suggests that facets play a large role in setting the desired unidirectional lasing operation points, with preferential emission on one side. We explore this issue, which is of generic interest for the coupling of parity-time symmetric structures to open space.

Research on Spectroscopy Modulation of a Distributed Feedback Laser Diode Based on the TDLAS Technique

Laser current and temperature control circuits have been developed for a distributed feedback laser diode, which is applied as the light source of a tuneable diode laser absorption spectroscopy system. The laser’s temperature fluctuation can be limited within the range of −0.02 to 0.02°C, and good operation stability was observed through 15 hours of monitoring on the emitting wavelength of the laser. Response time of temperature modulation was tested which is suitable for the tuning requirements of gas detection systems. Laser current can be injected within the range from 40 to 80 mA. In addition, a linear power supply circuit has been developed to provide stable and low-noise power supply for the system. The physical principles of laser modulation theory are discussed before experiments. Experiments show that the output wavelength of the laser can be tuned accurately through changing the working current and temperature. The wavelength can be linearly controlled by temperature at 0.115 nm/°C (I = 70 mA) and be controlled by current at 0.0140 nm/mA (T = 25°C). This is essential for the tuneable diode laser absorption spectroscopy systems. The proposed cost-effective circuits can replace commercial instruments to drive the laser to meet the requirements of methane detection experiments. It can also be applied to detect other gases by changing the light source lasers and parameters of the circuits.

Electrically injected InGaAsP/AlGaAs optical parametric oscillator: design and technology

We propose an original architecture for a monolithic electrically injected optical parametric oscillator based on a high-power distributed feedback laser diode and a nonlinear waveguide. In the epitaxial structure, the two optical cavities are set apart to avoid free carrier loss for the nonlinear interaction and coupled through a vertical modal converter. We discuss the constitutive elements of the device for which we estimate a parametric oscillation threshold of the order of 1 mW.

Experimental investigations on upstream transmission performances in future-proof THz-band indoor network based on photonics

The upstream transmission performance was experimentally investigated to consider the practical deployment of a photonics-based terahertz (THz)-band indoor network. An experimental setup was established using several off-the-shelf THz and optical components, to evaluate the technical feasibility of the uplink. Two commercialized THz mixers were used to build the THz wireless link, and a cost-effective 10 GHz-class directly modulated distributed feedback-laser diode (DFB-LD) was employed as an optical modulator to configure the optical link for a THz-band indoor network. The power penalty by the bandwidth-limited optical components was approximately 4 dB at 10−4 bit error rate (BER) when the data rate of the uplink was fixed at 30 Gb/s. It is worth noting that the interplay between the frequency chirp of the directly modulated DFB-LD and chromatic dispersion in the optical fiber significantly affects the BER. Owing to this interplay, the measured BER is seriously degraded at 30 Gb/s from 1.38 × 10−5 (without transmission) to 9.27 × 10−5 (10 km transmission), which is located in the error-floor region, however it still satisfies within 7% forward error correction (FEC) threshold (3.8 × 10−3). Subsequently, the BER curves over the wireless THz link were also measured. As a result, 30 Gb/s transmission over one m wireless and 10 km single-mode optical fiber distance was successfully demonstrated.

High sensitivity open‐path gas sensor based on a triangular multi‐pass cell

AbstractIn this article, a gas sensing technique utilizing a compact multi‐pass absorption cell in a triangular configuration was proposed for open‐path trace gases detection. To demonstrate this technique, an open‐path gas sensor system was developed by combing the innovated triangular multi‐pass cell with a near infrared distributed feedback diode laser (at 1.65 μm) for simultaneous detection of atmospheric CH4 and H2O. A Gaussian‐noise‐limited limit of detection of approximate 52 ppb and 445 ppm were achieved for CH4 and H2O, respectively, with 1 Hz sampling rate and at normal atmospheric pressure. Allan variance analysis indicates that a sensitivity of 5.5 ppb (for CH4) and 75 ppm (for H2O) could be obtained at the optimal averaging time of 300 s, which is comparative with the mid‐infrared laser based gas sensors. This technique will be a critical tool for developing low‐cost open‐path trace gas monitoring networks for environmental, industrial, and public security applications.

Simultaneous detection of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide based on off‐axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy using a near‐infrared distributed feedback diode laser

AbstractAn optical scheme for simultaneous detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2) is demonstrated. A near infrared tunable diode laser operating at 1.578 μm including the absorption lines of H2S at 6336.62 cm−1 and CO2 at 6336.24 cm−1 was used as the light source for spectroscopic measurements of H2S and CO2. A high‐finesse cavity with a base length of 21 cm and a pair of high reflectivity mirrors with a reflectivity of 99.999% were employed based on off‐axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy. Allan variance analysis shows that the minimum detection limits of 150 ppbv for H2S in 170 s averaging time and 1.03 ppmv for CO2 in 209 s, respectively.

Cost-effective photonics-based THz wireless delivery system using a directly modulated DFB-LD

We present a cost-effective photonics-based THz wireless delivery system using a directly modulated distributed feedback laser diode (DFB-LD). A DFB-LD with non-return to zero (NRZ) modulation up to 25 Gbps and a uni-traveling-carrier photodiode (UTC-PD) with a horn antenna is employed to transmit a THz wave into free space in the photonics-based THz signal transmitter. A Schottky barrier diode (SBD) with a horn antenna is used to directly detect the THz wave from free space at the THz signal receiver. To achieve the best bit error rate performance, we varied the optimal THz carrier frequency in a photonics-based THz wireless delivery system. After THz carrier frequency optimization, bit error rates were measured by varying THz link operating conditions, such as the data rate, photocurrent of UTC-PD, and wireless transmission distance. We successfully transmitted a 25 Gb/s NRZ signal over 1.6 and 2.2 m wireless transmission distances before and after managing the adiabatic chirp characteristic of directly modulated DFB-LD using the laser-to-filter detuning effect, respectively, while satisfying the 7% hard decision-forward error correction (HD-FEC) threshold (3.4×10−3).

Narrow-linewidth self-injection locked diode laser with a high-Q fiber Fabry-Perot resonator.

Narrow-linewidth lasers are essential for various applications, but are limited by their size, weight, power, and cost requirements. Here we demonstrate a self-injection locked diode laser fabricated with a high quality factor fiber Fabry-Perot resonator, with a 145 Hz free-running linewidth. The locking scheme is all-fiber for plug-and-play operation. White frequency noise of 50Hz2/Hz is measured with over 42 dB reduction from the low-cost TO-can distributed feedback laser diode, and shows its wide applications in a compact and cost-effective way.

Measurement of Atmospheric CO2 Column Concentrations Based on Open-Path TDLAS.

Monitoring of CO2 column concentrations is valuable for atmospheric research. A mobile open-path system was developed based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) to measure atmospheric CO2 column concentrations. A laser beam was emitted downward from a distributed feedback diode laser at 2 μm and then reflected by the retroreflector array on the ground. We measured the CO2 column concentrations over the 20 and 110 m long vertical path. Several single-point sensors were distributed at different heights to provide comparative measurements for the open-path TDLAS system. The results showed that the minimum detection limit of system was 0.52 ppm. Some similarities were observed in trends from the open-path TDLAS system and these sensors, but the average of these sensors was more consistent with the open-path TDLAS system values than the single-point measurement. These field measurements demonstrate the feasibility of open-path TDLAS for measuring the CO2 column concentration and monitoring carbon emission over large areas.

Monolithic Double Resonator for Quartz Enhanced Photoacoustic Spectroscopy

A new approach for Quartz Enhanced Photoacoustic Spectroscopy is presented, based on an acoustic excitation from the outside of the prongs of a quartz tuning fork, to increase the sensitivity of the sensor. For this purpose, we introduce a monolithic acoustic double-resonator (double-mR) in a T-shape configuration, using 3D printing. It was modelized and experimentally characterized using a 1392 nm distributed feedback laser diode, targeting a water vapor absorption line. The setup showed a two-factor enhancement of the signal, compared to a classical off-beam QEPAS approach and confirmed the strong interest of photolithographic printing techniques for acoustic developments.

A methane telemetry sensor based on near-infrared laser absorption spectroscopy

In order to detect methane leakage accurately and prompt, a methane telemetry sensor is demonstrated based on near infrared absorption spectroscopy and optimized wavelength modulation technology. The distributed feedback diode laser is applied as the light source to cover the selected absorption line of 6046 cm−1 to reduce the interference of CO2 and H2O. The waveform generator and the digital quadrature lock-in amplifier are constructed by the FPGA to produce driving signals and extract WMS-1f and 2f signals. And the “2f/1f” method is adopted to eliminate the environment influence such as light intensity fluctuations and improve the signal-to-noise ratio. This methane sensor has the characteristics of fast response and strong resistance to environmental interference and has great application prospect.

Integration of a high-efficiency Mach-Zehnder modulator with a DFB laser using membrane InP-based devices on a Si photonics platform.

We demonstrate a wafer-level integration of a distributed feedback laser diode (DFB LD) and high-efficiency Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) using InGaAsP phase shifters on Si waveguide circuits. The key to integrating materials with different bandgaps is to combine direct wafer bonding of a multiple quantum well layer for the DFB LD and regrowth of a bulk layer for the phase shifter. Buried regrowth of an InP layer is also employed to define the waveguide cores for the LD and phase shifters on a Si substrate. Both the LD and phase shifters have 230-nm-thick lateral diodes, whose thickness is less than the critical thickness of the III-V compound semiconductor layers on the Si substrate. The fabricated device has a 500-µm-long DFB LD and 500-µm-long carrier-depletion InGaAsP-bulk phase shifters, which provide a total footprint of only 1.9 × 0.31 mm2. Thanks to the low losses of the silica-based fiber couplers, InP/Si narrow tapers, and the phase shifters, the fiber-coupled output power of 3.2 mW is achieved with the LD current of 80 mA. The MZM has a VπL of around 0.4 Vcm, which overcomes the VπL limit of typical carrier-depletion Si MZMs. Thanks to the high modulation efficiency, the device shows an extinction ratio of 5 dB for 50-Gbit/s NRZ signal with a low peak-to-peak voltage of 2.5 V, despite the short phase shifters and single-arm driving.