Robust hybrid laser linewidth reduction using Si3N4-based subwavelength hole defect assisted microring reflector

We demonstrate a hybrid laser with a low intrinsic linewidth of 34.2 Hz and a high fiber-coupled output power of 11.7 dBm, by coupling a Si3N4-based subwavelength hole defect assisted microring reflector (SHDA-MRR) to a commercially available distributed feedback semiconductor laser. The proposed SHDA-MRR structure features an accurately controlled reflection response, with the manipulated modal coupling between two degenerate counterpropagating modes induced by a subwavelength hole defect embedded in the microring waveguide. With further joint optimization of cavity parameters, this Si3N4 SHDA-MRR structure is expected to reduce the laser intrinsic linewidth to a sub-hertz level. This work explores a low-cost and robust linewidth reduction scheme for the applications of high-speed coherent optical communications systems and high-resolution optical metrology. (C) 2021 Chinese Laser Press.