A compact 2*2 amplifier switch with integrated DBR lasers operating at 1.55 mu m

The integrated operation of an amplifier-based optical switch with distributed Bragg reflector lasers fabricated using photonic integrated circuit technology was demonstrated. The multiple-quantum-well amplifiers allow light from the DBR laser to be spatially switched to one of two output ports with low switching current on the amplifiers. The switching region is only 450 mu m long by 250 mu m wide, and the total device length is 1200 mu m. When 70 mA is applied to the laser and 50 mA is applied to one of the amplifier pairs, the output power of the device at each output port is 0.8 mW, with an extinction ratio of approximately 12 dB.<
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