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US5536085A
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Multi-wavelength gain-coupled distributed feedback laser array with fine tunability
Assignee: Nortel Networks UK Ltd
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Filing: 1995-03-30
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Granted: 1996-07-16
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Expires: 2015-03-30
Abstract
Abstract A multi-wavelength laser array having a plurality of gain-coupled distributed feedback ridge waveguide lasers. The operational wavelength of each laser is established by selecting a width of the ridge waveguide in the range 1.6 μm to 5.2 μm. Fine tuning of each central wavelength is achieved by thermal power to selected waveguides via Titanium thin film resistors integrated into the laser array. A wavelength range of 9 nm is demonstrated utilizing a sixteen element array.
Inventors
- 👤 Guo P. Li
- 👤 Toshihiko Makino
- 👤 Andrew M. Sarangan
- 👤 Weiping Huang
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 16:50
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S5/00; H01S5/40; H01S5/4025; H01S5/4031; H01S5/06; H01S5/0607; H01S5/0612; H01S5/062; H01S5/06209; H01S5/0622; H01S5/10; H01S5/12; H01S5/1228; H01S5/30; H01S5/32; H01S5/323; H01S5/3235; H01S5/32391; H01S5/4087
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
124 words
A multi-wavelength semiconductor laser array comprising: a plurality of distributed feedback, gain coupled, ridge waveguide semiconductor laser diodes longitudinally spaced on a common substrate, each of said laser diodes having active region capable of generating light and gain for lasing action in response to an injection current, a gain coupling grating in the active region, a buffer layer on said grating, a current confining ridge waveguide in said buffer layer, contacts on each ridge waveguide and substrate and resistive heater means associated with each laser, whereby the operational wavelength of the light generated by lasing action in each laser is a function of the width of each ridge waveguide, said operational wavelength being dynamically tunable by said resistive heater means associated with each laser.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
124 words
A multi-wavelength semiconductor laser array comprising: a plurality of distributed feedback, gain coupled, ridge waveguide semiconductor laser diodes longitudinally spaced on a common substrate, each of said laser diodes having active region capable of generating light and gain for lasing action in response to an injection current, a gain coupling grating in the active region, a buffer layer on said grating, a current confining ridge waveguide in said buffer layer, contacts on each ridge waveguide and substrate and resistive heater means associated with each laser, whereby the operational wavelength of the light generated by lasing action in each laser is a function of the width of each ridge waveguide, said operational wavelength being dynamically tunable by said resistive heater means associated with each laser.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A multi-wavelength laser array as defined in claim 1 said laser diodes being equally spaced on said common substrate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A multi-wavelength laser array as defined in claim 2, the center to center spacing of respective lasers being 250 μm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A multi-wavelength laser array as defined in claim 3 said resistive heater means being a thin film resistor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A multi-wavelength laser array as defined in claim 4, said thin film resistor being titanium.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A multi-wavelength laser array as defined in claim 4, said thin film resistor being nichrome.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A multi-wavelength laser array as defined in claim 4, said thin film resistor being platinum.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
A multi-wavelength array as defined in claim 4 said semiconductor being InGaAsP/InP.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
A multi-wavelength laser array as defined in claim 8 the width of said ridge waveguides being in the range of 1.6 μm to 5.2 μm.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A multi-wavelength laser array as defined in claim 9, the operational wavelength differential being approximately 9 nm.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-07-16 | 2000-01-15 | 2000-07-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-07-16 | 2004-01-15 | 2004-07-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-07-16 | 2008-01-15 | 2008-07-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |