News: Optoelectronics
12 October 2021
Vector Photonics demonstrates four wavelengths on monolithic 1.3μm data-center PCSEL chip
Photonic-crystal surface-emitting laser (PCSEL) firm Vector Photonics Ltd (which was spun off from Scotland's University of Glasgow in March 2020) says that senior development engineer Dr Calum Hill will deliver a post-deadline presentation of the firm’s latest paper ‘Monolithic all-semiconductor PCSELs emitting at 1.3μm’ at the 27th International Semiconductor Laser Conference (ISLC 2021) in Potsdam, Germany.
“Vector Photonics can demonstrate how a simple pitch change on a PCSEL will allow multiple wavelengths on a single, monolithic chip,” says Hill. “We have demonstrated the lasing of four neighbouring PCSELs, between 1298nm and 1340nm on the same wafer. Each channel is suitable for CWDM (coarse wavelength division multiplexing) datacoms applications and has a SMSR (side-mode suppression ratio) measurement greater than 35dB,” he adds.
“The results validate Vector Photonics compound semiconductor technology and opens up new levels of flexibility in commercial laser design,” Hill continues. “PCSELs already deliver the essential datacoms parameters of high speed and high power, combined with the low-cost packaging benefits a surface-emission-based device brings. This latest development offers even more flexibility and cost savings, as fewer lasers are required for equivalent results.”
