Robust and simplified cat's-eye external-cavity lasers using cavity resonant integrated grating filters

We present a simple frequency-selective 3-element cat's-eye cavity laser enabled by a new optical element, the so-called Cavity Resonant Integrated Grating Filter (CRIGF). Output powers in excess of 30 mW are achieved with single-mode emission. Discrete tuning around a central wavelength of 850 nm is achieved over a 30 nm band using a semiconductor source with an AR coated output facet. We will discuss the performance of the laser source together with new requirements for the CRIGFs. The road to enhanced performance will be outlined.