Fast integrated discretely tunable laser using filtered feedback for packet switching and access network applications

In this paper we report the design, fabrication, simulation and characterization of a novel discretely tunable laser based on filtered feedback. This Integrated Filtered-Feedback Tunable Laser (IFF-TL) device combines a simple and robust switching algorithm with good wavelength stability. It consists of a Fabry-Perot laser with deeply-etched broadband DBR mirrors. Single mode operation is achieved by using feedback from an integrated filter. This filter contains an AWG wavelength router and an SOA gate array. A rate equation model predicts that a properly designed device can switch within 1 ns, while characterization measurements show a value of only 4 ns. The fast switching and reduced control complexity makes the device very promising for various advanced applications in optical telecommunication networks