Laser array concepts for parallel optical interconnects

The transmitter module with the laser array is a key component in parallel optical interconnections based on fiber ribbons. High data capacity, low loss, low crosstalk between the channels, good reliability and small, cost efficient module packages are among the key requirements imposed by the application on the laser array. Lasers having low threshold currents with small temperature sensitivity and high differential quantum efficiency are needed to achieve low overall power consumption and to be compatible with a DC-bias-free modulation scheme. These criteria are best satisfied in GaAs-based quantum well lasers. We focused on Fabry Perot quantum well laser arrays in the wavelength range between 0.8 and 1 /spl mu/m.