Abstract

InP based quantum dot and quantum dash (QD) lasers [1] and optical amplifiers [2] operating at 1550 nm have recently been demonstrated. Similarly to the more developed GaAs based QD devices [3], spatial and size distributions cause an inhomogeneously broadened gain spectrum whose width is approximately three times that of quantum well gain media. Inhomogeneously broadened gain spectra enable, in principle, multi wavelength lasers and cross-talk-less multi channel amplification. However, spectrally adjacent gain regions show some degree of coupling since they are fed from a common wetting or barrier layer [3,4]. Direct intra-dot coupling is also possible [4].

© 2003 Optical Society of America