Emmanuel Grard

SOA-based optical network components

SOA-based devices provide a family of key components for optical networks, including wavelength conversion, regeneration, space switching and wavelength selection. All these functions require integration of multiple SOAs that calls for efficient combination of monolithic and hybrid integration to reach performances and cost effective solutions. Several examples are presented and discussed.

High performance packaging technique used for clamped gain semiconductor optical amplifier array modules fabrication

In this paper, we present a high performance, versatile multifibre pigtailing technique adapted to tilted semiconductor optical amplifier arrays. Dynamic alignment of collectively processed tilted lensed ribbon fibre and YAG laser welding assembly are used for pigtailing of 4 clamped gain semiconductor optical amplifier array. The collective process makes this packaging technique attractive for array components. This paper describes the technology used and summarizes main results obtained on fabricated modules.

Low-cost laser modules for SMT

A passive assembly process for laser modules has been developed that is based on silicon submounts with 3-dimensional structures and corresponding laser chips. It makes use of surface tension effects to pull the chips into their final position defined by mechanical stops and stand-offs. Full singlemode compatible accuracy is achieved. A prefabricated plastic housing with an integrated optical connector completes the concept. Due to the eliminated fixed fiber pigtail and the materials that are used all elements are compatible with automated surface mounting (SMT) into the system electronics. All these details contribute to the low cost technology for high performance laser modules. Although active cooling is not provided laser modules are capable of 2.5 mW emission for environmental temperatures as high as 85/spl deg/C. The concept is open for other applications like receivers and more complex integrated devices.

Plastic encapsulated 1.3-/spl mu/m laser on Si substrate for long-haul transmission

Summary form only given. This paper reports 1.3-/spl mu/m laser passively aligned with a cleaved single-mode fiber and encapsulated with silicone rubber on a Si substrate. Under 70-mA DC operation at 85/spl deg/C, a fiber power >2 mW is obtained for several assemblies. This result is thought to be the highest value reported so far for such type of device. It shows that these advanced technologies are promising for long-haul transmission.

High Performance 1.55 µm 4 Clamped Gain Semiconductor Optical Amplifier Array Module For Photonic Switching Applications

We report on the first Clamped Gain semiconductor optical amplifier array module. The optical gain and the output saturation power are respectively 13.2 ± 1dB and 10 dBm.

Tolerant low-loss three-lens coupling system for 1.48-μm unstable-cavity lasers

A 1.48-micrometer unstable-cavity laser is coupled into a single-mode fiber using three microlenses. Reproducible coupling of very high power is demonstrated with different types of lenses (plano-convex or bi-convex, with different apertures). Over 550 mW in single-mode fiber were reproducibly reached; to our knowledge, it is the highest power coupled into a single-mode fiber from a single semiconductor laser at this wavelength. Tolerance measurements on all of the coupling elements of a three-lens system are reported for the first time; an unexpected very large tolerance on the axial displacement of the second lens was measured. Results and interpretation with the aid of Gaussian and aberration simulations are also presented. Finally, we report on the first realization of a module with 46% chip to fiber coupling efficiency.