Wavelength-tunable and single-frequency semiconductor lasers for photonic communications networks

The present status of wavelength-tunable and single-frequency devices needed for the broadband integrated services digital network (BISDN) of the future is reviewed. The various systems applications and requirements and, in turn, the device parameters that are relevant to those requirements are described. The basic material and structural parameters of the lasers are discussed, and the fundamental operational principles are explained. Various single-frequency, high-speed, and tunable laser structures are reviewed, and their characteristics are presented.>