Critical study of the vertical-cavity surface emitting laser electrical access for integrated optical sub-assembly

The proposal contribution aims at highlighting the consequence of the impedance mismatching in Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting laser (VCSEL)-based optical subassembly for optical interconnection applications. The integration of this micro laser diode needs a particular care to avoid electromagnetic coupling which could transform the advantage of the VCSEL technology in a weakness. Indeed, the vertical emission perpendicular to the active layer gives the possibility to achieve the need of planarization of the optoelectronic circuits and the design of VCSEL arrays. That is why it is of great interest to develop an optoelectronic model including the electrical access effect. This model is based on the VCSEL rate equation comparison with a behavioural small-signal equivalent circuit. Scattering parameters of various VCSEL structures and various VCSEL chip submounts are tested. This characterization allows the validation of the laser model and emphasizes the influence of the electrical access in the light transmission. In a particular VCSEL array structure, a crosstalk phenomenon is also observed. In other cases, the frequency rise involves modification of the laser frequency response. Consequently the electrical access of the VCSEL needs to be improved in order to avoid an inadequate utilization of the VCSEL

Spectral behavior of long wavelength VCSELs

For a long time, only a small wavelength range of Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSEL) was available. The current evolution in process technology allows the fabrication of long wavelength VCSEL that is interesting for Telecom systems because they offer a higher integration level than the existing optical sources at lower costs since they are fabricated in arrays. We propose to focus our investigation on the behavior of singlemode 1.55μm VCSEL. We aim at precisely knowing their spectral properties under direct modulation. We present a study about the linewidth measurement and the linewidth enhancement factor, also called the Henry - or the alpha - factor. Many studies have been reported but only a few of them are really efficient. Two different set-ups are presented here to extract alpha factor. The first one uses an interferometer based on the heterodyne technique and the second uses the dispersive properties of an optical fiber. We compare both results and discuss about each set-up

Multimode VCSEL model for wide frequency-range RIN simulation

In this paper, we present an equivalent circuit model for oxide-confined AlGaAs/GaAs VCSEL with the noise contribution adapted to optomicrowave links applications. This model is derived from the multimode rate equations. In order to understand the modal competition process, we restrain our description to a two-modes rate equations system affected by the spectral hole-burning. The relative intensity noise (RIN) measurements which were achieved on a prober in Faraday cage confirm the low frequency enhancement described by the model. We validate our model for a wide frequency-range [1 MHz–10 GHz] and high bias level up to six times the threshold current

Noise and signal modeling of various VCSEL structures

Current evolution in Datacoms and Gigabit Ethernet have made 850nm Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers(VCSEL) the most important and promising emitter. Numerous different structures have been growth, to obtain bestcurrent confinement and then to control the emitted light modal behavior. We have developed a small signal equivalent electrical model of VCSEL including Bragg reflectors, active area, chip connection and noise behavior. Easy tointegrate with classical software for circuit studies, this model which is widely adaptable for different structures takesinto account the complete electrical environment of the chip. An experimental validation for RF modulation up to 10GHz has been realized on oxide confined VCSEL, demonstrating that the model could be used to get realistic valuesfor the VCSEL intrinsic parameters.Including Langevin noise sources into the rate equations and using the same electrical analogy, noise current andvoltage sources can be added to the model. It allows good prediction for the RIN function shape up to 10GHz formonomodal emitter

Comparaison de la diaphonie présentée par deux technologies d'intégration de barrettes de VCSEL

Nous présentons les résultats de simulations et caractérisations de diodes lasers VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) montées en barrettes selon 2 technologies distinctes: l'une de type microruban développée par Avalon Photonics, et l'autre de type coplanaire fournie par Ulm Photonics

2.49 GHz low phase-noise optoelectronic oscillator using 1.55μm VCSEL for avionics and aerospace applications

We present here a 1.55 μm single mode Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) based low phasenoise ring optoelectronic (OEO) oscillator operating at 2.49 GHz for aerospace, avionics and embedded systems applications. Experiments using optical fibers of different lengths have been carried out to obtain optimal results. A phase-noise measurement of -107 dBc/Hz at an offset of 10 kHz from the carrier is obtained. A 3-dB linewidth of 16 Hz for this oscillator signal has been measured. An analysis of lateral mode spacing or Free Spectral Range (FSR) as a function of fiber length has been carried out. A parametric comparison with DFB Laser-based and multimode VCSEL-based opto-electronic oscillators is also presented

Dynamic modeling of Terahertz Quantum cascade lasers

In this paper, the influence of the simplifications made in the four-equation-based set of rate equations describing the dynamic behavior of a Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) is studied. Numerical simulations based on the set of four rate equations has been developed, enabling the theoretical study of the influence of different parameters on the direct modulation response of the laser. These equations have been then linearized in order to deduce a set of state system equations, which was written in a matrix formalism. Finally, an approximate second order transfer function has been derived with the linearized dependence of its times constant

Photonic microwave harmonic generator driven by an optoelectronic ring oscillator

We describe a new architecture to generate microwave signals by optical means. Our system combines the advantages of two techniques: frequency multipliers and loop oscillators. A frequency multiplier allows to obtain high frequencies using frequency harmonic generation, nevertheless, a very good quality reference signal is necessary to drive the system. In our setup, this reference signal is obtained using a loop oscillator. Optoelectronic loop oscillators generate signals with good performance in terms of phase noise and linewidth. We present the theory related to those techniques and the experimental data obtained

Optimization of an avionic VCSEL-based optical link through large signal characterization

Optical communication systems have been widely preferred for network communications, especially for Datacoms Local Area Network links. The optical technology is an excellent candidate for on-board systems due to the potential weight saving and EMC immunity. According to the short length of the link and a cost saving, Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) and multimode fiber are the best solution for gigabit systems. In this context, we propose a modeling of 850nm VCSEL based on the rate equations analysis to predict the optical interconnect performances (jitter, bit error rate). Our aim is to define the operation conditions of VCSEL under large signal modulation in order to maximize the Extinction Ratio (current IOFF below threshold) without affecting link performances. The VCSEL model is developed to provide large signal modulation response. Biasing below threshold causes stochastic turn-on delay. Fluctuations of this delay occur, due to the spontaneous emission. This leads to additional turn-on jitter. These stochastic effects are included in the model by adding the Langevin photon and electron noise sources. The VCSEL behavior under high-speed modulation is studied to observe the transient response and extract the resonance frequency, overshoot and turn-on delay. The associated jitter is evaluated with the standard deviation of the turn-on delay probability density function. Simulations of stochastic and deterministic jitters are realized under different conditions of modulation (OFF current levels). Comparing simulations with measurement results carried out on VCSEL and a short haul gigabit link validates the approach