Inverse scattering approach to multiwavelength Fabry-Perot laser design

Abstract

A class of multiwavelength Fabry-Perot lasers is introduced where the spectrum is tailored through a patterning of the cavity effective index. The cavity geometry is obtained using an inverse scattering approach and can be designed such that the spacing of discrete Fabry-Perot lasing modes is limited only by the bandwidth of the inverted gain medium. A specific two-color semiconductor laser with a mode spacing in the THz region is designed, and measurements are presented demonstrating the simultaneous oscillation of the two wavelengths. The nonperiodic effective index profile of the particular two-color device considered is shown to be related to a Moire or superstructure grating.