Wavelength tunable semiconductor laser array and method of controlling wavelength tunable semiconductor laser array

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To minimize the impact of an active layer portion where temperature variation increases when performing wavelength changeover operation.SOLUTION: In a variable wavelength semiconductor laser array where multiple variable wavelength semiconductor lasers, having such a structure that one or more active layers and control layers are arranged in the propagation direction of light, are arranged, and arrangement of the active layers and control layers of adjoining variable wavelength semiconductor lasers is reversed, when the variable wavelength semiconductor laser to be driven is changed over from a first variable wavelength semiconductor laser to a second variable wavelength semiconductor laser, current is injected into the control layer of a third variable wavelength semiconductor laser (and fourth variable wavelength semiconductor laser) adjoining the second variable wavelength semiconductor laser, during operation of the first variable wavelength semiconductor laser, and current injection into the control layer of the third (and fourth) variable wavelength semiconductor laser is stopped simultaneously with driving of the second variable wavelength semiconductor laser.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2