Abstract

We describe a novel class of semiconductor lasers made possible by monolithic optical integration. Depending on the operating parameters these integrated lasers can be operated in various operational modes: i) polarization modulation, ii) frequency modulation, or iii) astable mode (controlled Q switching). These devices consist of an optical amplifier (A) taper coupled to a polarization modulator (M) and a polarizer (P). We have observed equivalent polarization rotation of 40° with only 6V applied bias change, ΔV_m, to the modulator section. We have also found strong frequency (or wavelength, λ) modulation with wavelength shifts as large as 20 Å with ΔV_m ≈ 1V.

© 1980 Optical Society of America