Marconi Optical Components (MOC) has introduced a wideband tunable laser with improved tuning characteristics that enables real-time wavelength reconfiguration and higher reliability than conventional four-section Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) lasers, claims the company.
The new Digital Supermode-DBR (DS-DBR) Indium Phosphide (InP) laser is designed to provide high power, full ITU C-band coverage.
According to Marconi, the characterisation, set up, and control of its device has been simplified. The operation of the front section reduces the tuning �map� of the device to effectively only two dimensions--a tuning current and a phase current. Also, the output power and tuning uniformity of the device has been improved to eliminate the need for additional semiconductor optical amplifiers sections. Only a short grating at the front has to be excited so there is very little induced optical loss when the Supermode is selected or when the device is tuned, say company representatives.
MOC plans to integrate the DS-DBR laser into its family of transmitter products to provide equipment manufacturers with wideband tunable 10-Gbit and 40-Gbit subsystems that are smaller than discrete optical components. The resultant transmitters are also designed to eliminate the need for fiber splicing.
The company will begin shipping products incorporating the DS-DBR laser in volume by mid-2002.
Launched in March 2001, Marconi Optical Components is an independent business unit within Marconi plc that offers a portfolio of photonic components and module solutions to network builders. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.moc.marconi.com.