3.8nm continuous tuning range of a low threshold distributed bragg reflector laser

Wavelength tunable semiconductor lasers are required as sources for coherent and high density WDM optical communication systems and also as local oscillators in coherent optical systems. The larger the wavelength tuning without mode hopping, the greater the number of wavelength/frequency multiplexed channels which can be accommodated. We have fabricated and characterized a three section Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) laser with 3.8nm continuous tunability and a wavelength coverage of 8.4nm.