High light output-power single-longitudinal-mode semiconductor laser diodes

Issues related to realizing high light output-power single-longitudinal-mode InGaAsP/InP DFB LD's have been studied experimentally and theoretically. Asymmetry in the reflections as the front and rear facets of DFB cavity has been found to result in enhanced single-longitudinal-mode selectivity and higher light output power from the front facet. Single-longitudinal-mode CW light output power as high as 103 mW has been obtained in a 1.3-μm DFB-DC-PBH LD with facet reflectivities of 2 and 80-90 percent. Low internal quantum efficiency is pointed out to be an important problem for 1.5-μm LD's.