Abstract

A single-mode semiconductor laser with the oscillation frequency stabilized by a narrowband frequency selective element that can be tuned over the gain spectrum is of interest for use as a local oscillator in optical heterodyne detection systems. A distributed Bragg reflector¹ is an example of a tunable frequency-selective element, although the tuning range is to be improved. Wide-range frequency tuning, however, may result (in instability of single-mode oscillation caused by gain roll-off and linewidth variation due to dispersion of the linewidth enhancement factor α.²

© 1987 Optical Society of America