125 Gbit/s discretely tunable InP-on-silicon filtered feedback laser with sub-nanosecond wavelength switching times

A heterogeneously integrated InP-on-silicon fast tunable filtered feedback laser is demonstrated. The laser device consists of a main Fabry-Perot cavity connected to an integrated arrayed waveguide grating of which the outputs form external cavities in which semiconductor optical amplifiers can be switched to provide single-mode operation and tunability. The laser can operate at four different wavelengths whereby switching between each wavelength channel is done within one nanosecond. For each wavelength channel 12.5 Gbit/s NRZ-OOK direct modulation is demonstrated. The combination of fast wavelength switching with straightforward wavelength control and high-speed direct modulation characteristics make the demonstrated laser structure very attractive for use in optical packet or burst switching systems.