Binary Super Grating (BSG) Self-Collimated Multi-Wavelength Laser

摘要

This project concerns the exploration of two novel and enabling technologies: a self-collimated multi-wavelength laser (SCMWL). and the underlying binary supergrating (BSG). on which the SCMWL depends. In this context, the BSG functions as a multi-wavelength reflector which can be implemented by a simple two-level etching process. The SCMWL makes use of BSGs to form a planar cavity with collimated multi-wavelength resonances, when combined with gain, the result is self-collimated multi-wavelength output. This project began at the University of Toronto. under grant number DAAG55-98-0435, where it was demonstrated for the first time that both the BSG and the SCMWL concept work, through implementations in an optically-pumped AlGaAs planar waveguide. After Year 1 of this 2-year project, Professor Xu's lab relocated to Brown University, where work on this project has continued. Here we report on this second year of exploration, in which we have extended and solidified our understanding of SCMWL operation, and developed a measurement methodology for these novel devices. This provides a firm foundation for the next phase of SCMWL development, including electrically-pumped implementations promising greater efficiency and output power.