Integrated distributed feedback laser and optical amplifier

The fabrication and performance characteristics of an integrated distributed feedback (DFB) laser and optical amplifier structure are described. The structure utilizes semi-insulating Fe doped InP layers for current confinement to the active region, for electrical isolation between the two sections, and for lateral index guiding. The amplified output has a slope of 1 mW/mA of laser current with the amplifier biased at 150 mA, which is a factor of 5 larger than that for a typical laser. The laser emits near 1.55 mu m and the spectral width under modulation of the amplified output is considerably smaller than that for a DFB laser for the same on/off ratio.<
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