Method for characterizing tunable lasers

Abstract

The invention relates to the characterization of tunable lasers. One particular method of characterizing a semiconductor laser is useful for a laser having first and second tuning sections controlled by respective first and second tuning currents. The method includes measuring power output from the laser as a function of the first and second tuning currents, and creating an image of power as a function of the two tuning currents. The image is analyzed to determine different modes, each mode corresponding to limited ranges of the first and second tuning currents. A preferred combination of the first and second tuning currents is determined for each mode and an acceptable operating region is defined for each mode.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.