High-power diode lasers for optical communications applicationsHigh-power, single-mode, double-heterojunction AlGaAs diode lasers are being developed to meet source requirements for both fiber optic local area network and free space communications systems. An individual device, based on the channeled-substrate-planar (CSP) structure, has yielded single spatial and longitudinal mode outputs of up to 90 mW CW, and has maintained a single spatial mode to 150 mW CW. Phase-locked arrays of closely spaced index-guided lasers have been designed and fabricated with the aim of multiplying the outputs of the individual devices to even higher power levels in a stable, single-lobe, anastigmatic beam. The optical modes of the lasers in such arrays can couple together in such a way that they appear to be emanating from a single source, and can therefore be efficiently coupled into optical communications systems. This paper will review the state of high-power laser technology and discuss the communication system implications of these devices.
Document ID
19860048080
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Carlin, D. B. (RCA Labs. Princeton, NJ, United States)
Goldstein, B. (RCA Labs. Princeton, NJ, United States)
Channin, D. J. (RCA Laboratories Princeton, NJ, United States)