Laser diodes for microwave and millimeter wave photonics

Abstract

In this paper we present the different type of laser diodes that are developed at Alcatel-Thales III-V Lab in order to fulfil different functions required for radio over fibre and radar systems. The first device that is presented is a directly modulated laser with a bandwidth exceeding 20 GHz and good linearity that is used for analog wideband link. This kind of device is precious for remote delivery and distribution of wide bandwidth signals with very low attenuations. The second device we will present is a passive mode-locked quantum dash lasers that has sufficiently good phase noise performances to be used as a carrier for 60 GHz wireless transmission links. The third device we will present is a dual wavelength laser. It can be used for a wide and potentially fast tuning of the frequency generated by heterodyning two optical wavelengths on a photodetector, the photodetector behaving as a photomixer.