Nanosecond Switching and Wavelength Tuning of External-Cavity Laser Diode Using a Reflective Electroabsorption Modulator

We present a novel technique for ultrafast on-off switching and wavelength tuning of an external-cavity laser diode (ECLD) using an intracavity reflective electroabsorption modulator array as the end mirror. on-off and wavelength switching of the ECLD are based upon the electrically induced control of the modulator's reflectivity yielding a modulation of the cavity losses and hence a modulation of the lasing threshold. We experimentally demonstrate on-off switching of selected wavelengths with a contrast in excess of 40 dB. Ultrafast modulation in the nanosecond-regime has been achieved which is close to the fundamental physical speed limit of the ECLD.