METHOD FOR A REFLECTIVE DIGITALLY TUNABLE LASER

摘要

A method for forming a reflective digitally tunable laser using selective area epitaxy is disclosed. The laser comprises passive waveguides and a plurality of optical amplifiers. The waveguides and optical amplifiers are formed by depositing multiple quantum wells having a suitable bandgap. According to the method, the multiple quantum wells forming both the passive waveguides and the optical amplifiers are deposited simultaneously using a dielectric mask. The mask comprises dual, rectangularlyshaped strips of dielectric material, spaced to form a gap. The multiple quantum wells grown in the gap are suitable for use as optical amplifiers, and those grown outside of the gap are suitable for use as passive waveguides.