Multilevel Amplitude Modulation Using A Composite-Resonator Vertical-Cavity Laser

Modulation characteristics of a composite-resonator vertical-cavity laser (CRVCL) can be engineered by modulating the carrier and photon densities in the two optically coupled cavities simultaneously. The total modulation response is a superposition of the individual modulation response from each cavity, when direct modulation is applied to both cavities. This property enables the CRVCL to produce multilevel signaling for optical communication. A demonstration of four-level amplitude modulation at 2.5 Gb/s is shown.