Nine-channel wavelength tunable single mode laser array based on slots

A 9-channel wavelength tunable single-mode laser array based on slots is presented. The fabricated laser array demonstrated a threshold current in a range of 19∼21 mA with the SOA unbiased at 20°C under continuous wave condition. Stable single mode performances have been observed with side-mode suppression-ratio (SMSR) >50 dB. The output power higher than 37 mW was obtained at the SOA injected current of 70 mA for all the 9 channels within the laser array. A wavelength quasicontinuous tuning range of about 27 nm has been achieved for the laser array with the temperature variations from 10°C to 45°C. This array platform is of a single growth and monolithically integrable. It can be easily fabricated by standard photolithography. In addition, it potentially removes the yield problem due to the uncertainty of the facet cleaving.