Nanosecond-level wavelength tuning using MEMS coupled-cavity laser

The paper presents the dynamic characteristics of a MEMS-based tunable coupled-cavity laser, constructed by integrating a Fabry-Perot chip, a gain chip and a deep-etched parabolic mirror. It gains advantages over the previous tunable lasers in the form of high speed of wavelength tuning, since this wavelength tuning is based on free carrier plasma effect to change the refractive index. The currently measured tuning speed is of 1.2 mus. The MEMS movable mirror is employed to actively adjust the cavity length to build up the optimal lasing operation condition. Single-mode operation with a tuning range over 16.55 nm is demonstrated, and its side mode suppression ratio is better than 30 dB.