Abstract

Single-mode laser diodes are known to exhibit several types of instability. Of particular interest is the tendency to hop from one longitudinal mode to another due to changes in drive current, temperature, aging, random fluctuations, and modulation. Several techniques have been studied for providing stabilization by reflecting a portion of the light from the diode back into itself, the simplest of which consists of placing a flat mirror in close proximity to the laser end facet forming a composite cavity laser. The amount of light reflected back into the laser for stabilization purposes can be enhanced by confinement in a short-waveguide segment. The use of extremely short waveguides (200-300 μm) for laser stabilization and the novel techniques used to fabricate them are discussed.

© 1984 Optical Society of America