Widely tunable C-band laser and module with fast tuning and narrow linewidth

The authors report the detailed characterisation of a widely tunable laser and module that offers the elusive combination of very fast (nanosecond) tuning and narrow linewidth. The laser is fabricated on an active-passive InP-based platform and packaged into a 14-pin butterfly module. Electro-optic tuning is used with reverse-voltage bias of tuning sections allowing mA-order dark currents and facilitating nanosecond switching speeds with low power dissipation. The device is suitable for integration into fiber coupled modules such as the nanoi-TLA or can be monolithically integrated with other components in a III-V PIC. It is a promising new laser for applications that require fast and wide tuning with low linewidth, such as FMCW (Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave) LiDAR and coherent optical packet or burst switching.