Eight-channel slotted single-mode laser array

Wavelength-tunable semiconductor lasers are key components for dense-wavelength-division-multiplexing (DWDM) optical communication systems. Single mode laser arrays are one option to produce a tunable laser. Recently, such a laser array based on buried distributed feedback gratings has reported over 40 nm tuning range [1]. However, fabricating these DFB laser arrays requires both high resolution processing and complex re-growth steps. Recently, by introducing a group of slots into the surface of the ridge on one side of the laser cavity, we have successfully demonstrated single mode lasers can be made completely dependent on a group of slots[2]. Such a laser platform is of a single growth, can be fabricated by standard photolithograph and suitable for photonic integration. In this work, we present an 8-channel single mode laser array based on such a laser platform.