High performance directly modulated lasers: Device physics

Directly modulated lasers (DMLs) have two high performance applications: 1310 nm 10 Gb/s uncooled and 1550 2.5 Gb/s extended reach. Two key elements are gain coupled gratings and buried heterostructures. Gain coupled gratings simultaneously increase the DML's intrinsic relaxation oscillation frequency and damping, while the buried heterostructure reduces thermal chirp and parasitic capacitance. Large relaxation oscillation frequencies and reduced parasitic capacitance allow 85 degreesC operation; large damping and reduced thermal chirp enable extended reach.