High power multi-wavelength laser source

摘要

An optical assembly comprises a combination of semiconductor optical gain elements, microlenses, and a wavelength-selective planar lightwave circuit (PLC) that routes light of different wavelengths from a different inputs to a single output. The microlenses couple light from the semiconductor optical gain elements into the PLC. The positions of the microlenses can be adjusted using micromechanical holders that are part of their carriers, and are free to move initially, and fixed in place after optimization of the optical coupling. In operation, the gain elements are activated simultaneously, with one wavelength of light lasing within each gain element. All output wavelengths of light exit from a single output of the PLC in a single spatial mode.

主权项

1. A multi-wavelength light source, comprising:
a plurality of laser diode gain elements, each having a front and a back, with the front providing an output, with the back coated with high reflectivity layers and the output antireflection coated, each gain element allowing for lasing at least any of a plurality of wavelengths; a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) including wavelength selective filters, the planar lightwave circuit configured to route light from a plurality of antireflection coated inputs of the PLC to a single output and to reflect, using a low reflectivity coating on the single output, at least some of the light from the single output back to the plurality of inputs on a wavelength selective basis using the wavelength selective filters, such that light of different wavelengths are routed to different inputs of the plurality of inputs; and a plurality of lenses, each configured to couple light between one of the laser diode gain elements and a corresponding input of the plurality of inputs of the PLC; and further comprising a plurality of moveable stages, with each of the plurality of lenses being mounted on a corresponding moveable stage repositionable during an alignment process; wherein each corresponding moveable stage comprises a lever.