Erbium-doped waveguide DBR and DFB laser arrays integrated within an ultra-low-loss Si3N4 platform

Record low optical threshold power and high slope efficiency are reported for arrays of distributed Bragg reflector lasers integrated within an ultra-low-loss Si3N4 planar waveguide platform. Additionally, arrays of distributed feedback laser designs are presented that show improvements in pump-to-signal conversion efficiency of over two orders of magnitude beyond that found in previously published devices. Lithographically defined sidewall gratings provide the required lasing feedback for both cavity configurations. Lasing emission is shown over a wide wavelength range (1534 to 1570 nm), with output powers up to 2.1 mW and side mode suppression ratios in excess of 50 dB. (C) 2014 Optical Society of America