Self-collimated multiwavelength laser enabled by the binary superimposed grating: concept, design, theory, and proof-of-principle experiment

We report on the first design, theory, and implementation of a novel self-collimated multiwavelength laser (SCMWL), enabled by binary superimposed gratings (BSGs). The BSG, originally conceived to address etching constraints in semiconductor integrated optics, is a novel and robust wavelength-selective device similar in operation to the Bragg grating, but with near-arbitrary reflection characteristics utilizing a convenient two-level (binary) implementation. The BSG offers unprecedented design flexibility, providing many new possibilities for both passive and active WDM devices, while simplifying the manufacturing process.