Eric R. Anderson

Monolithic integrated optical micro-bench for high density photonics packaging

We have developed two novel Monolithic Integrated Micro-Optical Benches (MIMOB) for passive alignment of optical fibers to photodetectors. Both MIMOBs, which are fabricated using III-V semiconductor material, contain a U-groove for precise alignment and attachment of optical fibers. In addition, one MIMOB contains an integrated flat reflector for diverting the fiber output light, and the other MIMOB contains an integrated focusing reflector for diverting and focusing the fiber output light onto a photodetector position below the MIMOB.

Coupling of waveguides to detectors using spherical lenses and lens fibers

Two coupling systems were developed using spherical lenses and lens fibers for coupling a silicon array waveguide structure to a detector array. The holding structures were fabricated using the crystallographic etching characteristics of III-V semiconductors.

Modulation characteristics of high-power phase-locked arrays of antiguides

The small signal modulation characteristics, large signal modulation characteristics and dc noise spectra on 70 micron-wide 20-element high-power phase-locked arrays of antiguides are reported. The relaxation resonance frequency at 1.5 times threshold is found to be 1.65 GHz. Large-signal pulse modulation produced no distortion to the far-field characteristics. The dc noise spectra showed a damped shot noise resonance at 1.32 GHz for a dc bias level of 1.18 times threshold.

Frequency modulation characteristics of laser diodes in external cavities

Experimental results on the frequency modulation (FM) and linewidth characteristics of laser diodes in external cavities are presented. The laser is an uncoated 825 nm AlGaAs semiconductor laser diode. The external cavities consist of a 10X, 0.3 NA microscope objective and a diffraction grating. Measurements were made of the FM coefficient and spectral linewidth as a function of external cavity length.

High-power coherent diode lasers

Diffraction-limited beam operation at high output power levels (0.5 W cw and 1.5 W pulsed) has been demonstrated from resonant-optical-waveguide (ROW) array structures. Uniphase mode operation is achieved without the need for active phase control. As a result, a reliable monolithic device capable of watt-range coherent output power is obtained.

0.36-W cw diffraction-limited-beam operation from phase-locked arrays of antiguides

Diffraction-limited beam operation at high output power levels (0.36 W cw and 1.5 W pulsed) have been demonstrated from resonant-optical-waveguide array structures. Uniphase mode operation is achieved without the need for active phase control. As a result, a reliable monolithic device capable of watt-range coherent output power is obtained.