Marconi Announces Tunable Laser

LONDON -- Marconi Optical Components (MOC) announces a radically new wideband tunable laser, with improved tuning characteristics that enables real-time wavelength reconfiguration and higher reliability than conventional four-section DBR lasers. The new Digital Supermode – Distributed Bragg Reflector (DS-DBR) InP laser marks a breakthrough in the development of tunable lasers. This innovation provides high power, full ITU C-band coverage. The benefit of the MOC approach manifests itself in two significant ways. First, the characterisation, set up and control of the device is greatly simplified. The operation of the front section reduces the tuning 'map' of the device to effectively only two dimensions; a tuning current and a phase current. Second, the output power and tuning uniformity of the device are also greatly improved, eliminating the need for additional, costly, power hungry Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers sections. Only a short grating at the front has to be excited so there is very little induced optical loss when the Supermode is selected, or when the device is tuned. “The DS-DBR is a significant addition to the range of new technologies that we have announced to-date. It enhances the family of differentiated solutions that we are bringing to market,” said Dr David Parker, Marconi Optical Components, President and CEO. “It is consistent with our philosophy of innovation for both performance and the ability to scale in manufacturing.” Marconi Optical Components