Monolithically integrated wavelength division multiplexing laser array
AssigneeUniversity of Maryland
InventorsYung J. Chen, John Hryniewicz, Pierre Goubet
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Abstract
An active monolithic optical device for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) incorporating diode laser arrays, an output coupling waveguide and a curved Rowland circle based grating to produce a plurality of individual laser beams at slightly different wavelengths is integrated in a common electro-optic material. The wavelength of each laser source is determined by the geometry of the array and the diffraction grating design. The output of all the channels can be collected into a concentrator or lens to be multiplexed in a single output. Applications include a WDM optical amplifier and WDM laser source.
Claims22
An active integrated and monolithic optical waveguide device used for wavelength division multiplexing of multiple wavelength optical signals using an extended laser cavity configuration in combination with diffraction grating comprising:
- at least one first commonly directed array of diode lasers which are an input signal means to the device whose lased light is directed at a corresponding grating, a corresponding multiple optical coupling waveguide means positioned symmetrically on the device with respect to the first array of diode lasers and a surface normal of the corresponding diffraction grating's centerline, the corresponding diffraction grating is etched in accordance with a Rowland circle designed optical properties and the first laser array placement on the optical device whereby light from the commonly directed first array of diode lasers impinges upon the grating and a selected diffraction order signal output is concentrated into a single multiplexed output signal through an output optical means.
An active integrated and monolithic optical waveguide device used for wavelength division multiplexing of multiple wavelength optical signals using an extended laser cavity configuration in combination with diffraction grating comprising:
- at least one first commonly directed array of diode lasers which are an input signal means to the device whose lased light is directed at a corresponding grating, the corresponding diffraction grating is etched in accordance with a Rowland circle designed optical properties and the first laser array placement on the optical device whereby light from the commonly directed first array of diode lasers impinges upon the grating and a selected diffraction order signal output is concentrated into a single multiplexed output signal through an output optical means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.