Long-wavelength tunable vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers and the influence of coupled cavities

In this paper, we present an InP-based micromechanically tunable VCSEL emitting in the 1.55 mu m wavelength region with a 26nm tuning range. The laser is based on a two-chip concept, allowing for a separate optimization of the curved top mirror and the amplifying component. Current confinement is achieved by a buried tunnel junction. The design of the microcavity ensures fundamental mode operation with a side mode suppression ratio exceeding 49dB even for large apertures. Simulations indicate that the tuning range is limited by coupled cavity effects and reveal important design criteria like an upper boundary regarding the device thickness. (c) 2005 Optical Society of America.