Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A laser device (1) comprises a ridge waveguide (2) comprising an upper cladding layer (5) and a lower cladding layer (6), between which is located an active layer (7). A ridge (8) formed in the upper cladding layer (5) defines the lateral width of a light guiding region (9) in the active layer (7). The ridge (8) is formed so that a portion (13) of the light guiding region (9) extends above the active layer (7) into the ridge (8). A plurality of lateral reflecting slots (15) extend laterally across the ridge (8) and extend into the ridge (8) to a depth sufficient to extend into the portion (13) of the light guiding region (9) which extends into the ridge (8) in order that the reflectivity of each lateral slot (15) is in the order of 2%. The combined reflectivity of the lateral slots (15) is such that the slots (15) intersect more than 20% of the total mode energy in the light guiding region (9), and this in combination with the gain of the active layer (7) is such as to facilitate lasing within the light guiding region (9) independently of the reflectivity of end facets (18,19) of the waveguide (2). Accordingly, the laser device (1) is particularly suitable for integrally forming with other optical components, for example, an optical modulator or an optical detector on a single semiconductor chip, whereby the laser device and the other optical components are formed in series on the same light guiding region (9).

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim