High-Efficiency Quantum Dot Lasers as Comb Sources for DWDM Applications

Journal Article · 09 February 2022 · Applied Sciences

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app12041836 · OSTI ID:1844804

Dumont, Mario ; Liu, Songtao; Kennedy, M. J.; Bowers, John

The trend of data center transceivers is to increase bandwidth while simultaneously decreasing their size, power consumption, and cost. While data center links have previously relied on vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) or in-plane lasers using coarse wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) to encode data, recently, dense WDM (DWDM) has moved to the forefront for next-generation links. Several approaches exist as light sources for DWDM links; DFB arrays, nonlinear microcombs, and semiconductor mode-locked lasers (MLLs). This paper focuses on quantum dot MLLs (QDMLLs), which currently offer the best efficiency, simplicity, and size. The efficiency of optical combs generated by QDMLLs is analyzed in depth in this study.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E)
• Grant/Contract Number: AR0001039
• OSTI ID: 1844804
• Journal Information: Applied Sciences, Journal Name: Applied Sciences Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 12; ISSN ASPCC7; ISSN 2076-3417
• Publisher: MDPI AGCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: Switzerland
• Language: English