MULTIPLE-WAVELENGTH LASER

摘要

In a multiple-wavelength laser source, a multiple-mode laser outputs a set of wavelengths in a range of wavelengths onto an optical waveguide, where a spacing between adjacent wavelengths in the set of wavelengths is smaller than a width of channels in an optical link. Furthermore, a set of ring-resonator filters in the multiple-wavelength laser source, which are optically coupled to the optical waveguide, output corresponding subsets of the set of wavelengths for use in the optical link based on free spectral ranges and quality factors of the set of ring-resonator filters. These subsets may include one or more groups of wavelengths, with another spacing between adjacent groups of wavelengths that is larger than the width of the given channel in the optical link. In addition, the one or more groups of wavelengths may include one or more wavelengths, with the spacing between adjacent wavelengths in the given group of wavelengths.

主权项

1. A multiple-wavelength laser source, comprising:
a multiple-mode laser configured to output a set of wavelengths in a range of wavelengths, with a first spacing between a given pair of adjacent wavelengths in the set of wavelengths that is smaller than a width of a given channel in an optical link, wherein the multiple-mode laser includes: a gain medium; and a cavity, surrounding the gain medium, having a first end with a reflecting mirror over the range of wavelengths and a second end with a partially reflecting mirror over the range of wavelengths; an optical waveguide optically coupled to the second end; and a set of ring-resonator filters optically coupled to the optical waveguide, wherein a given ring-resonator filter in the set of ring-resonator filters is configured to output a corresponding subset of the set of wavelengths for use in the optical link based on a free spectral range and a quality factor of the given ring-resonator filter; wherein the subset of wavelengths includes a first group of wavelengths; and wherein the first group of wavelengths includes at least a first wavelength and an adjacent second wavelength, wherein the first wavelength and the second wavelength are separated by the first spacing.