MEMs-HCG VCSELs for emerging sensing and datacoms applications

We report recent advances in electrically-pumped 1050 nm and 1550 nm micro-electro-mechanically-tunable verticalcavity surface emitting-lasers (MEMS-VCSELs). We demonstrate a single-mode, continuous, mechanical tuning range of 73 nm with high output power and low threshold current performance for the 1050 nm devices. To the best of our knowledge, 73 nm is a record tuning value for an electrically-pumped tunable VCSEL with a tuning speed >250 kHz, making them highly desirable for next generation OCT and other swept source applications. 10 Gbps 1550-nm DWDM tunable SFP+ modules based on an HCG-VCSEL are demonstrated with an embedded communications channel for automatic wavelength tuning and locking for low cost FTTx and front haul network applications.