Characterization of an integrated DFB-SOA laser for photonic systems

We study the optical properties of a monolithically integrated distributed feedback laser and semiconductor optical amplifier (DFB-SOA) laser structure designed to overcome limitations of DFB lasers in producing high optical powers. We find that this laser structure possesses numerous unique and interesting qualities such as independent power and wavelength control, low RIN, narrow linewidth with the SOA section influencing the linewidth. The device is then employed in communication system testbeds demonstrating that it can meet optical source requirements for both direct detection and coherent photonics systems.