Performance characteristics of a narrow-linewidth distributed-Bragg reflector laser for optical remote sensing systems

The performance of a novel ridge-waveguide, distributed-Bragg-reflector laser was tested for spectroscopic remote sensing applications. The laser exhibits a narrow linewidth, excellent side-mode suppression, and flexible, highly repeatable wavelength tuning. These characteristics are significant improvements over current Fabry-Perot lasers, and indicate that distributed-Bragg-reflector lasers are promising candidates for implementing advanced semiconductor-based optical remote sensing systems.