Matrix-grating strongly gain-coupled (MC-SGC) DFB lasers with 34-nm continuous wavelength tuning range

A matrix-grating strongly gain-coupled (MG-SGC) distributed-feedback laser structure has been demonstrated to exhibit a continuous wavelength tuning range of about 34 nm. A simple tuning mechanism was employed, and a sidemode-suppression-ratio of beyond 50 dB within the entire tuning range was achieved. This device can be potentially used in dense wavelength-division-multiplexed systems for cost effective applications.