DBR module with 20-mW constant coupled output power, over 16 nm (40 x 50-GHz spaced channels)

To replace DFB lasers in wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) systems, tunable lasers should provide the same output power (20 mW) and remain simple devices. We propose a two-section DBR laser with optimized design. The required settings to reach all the achievable ITU wavelengths with constant output power are simply derived from very few initial characterizations. We obtain a record 20-mW coupled output power, constant over 16 nm (=40 channels 50-GHz spaced). For the first time, power performances comparable with DFB lasers are obtained; DBR lasers are now competitive candidates for an integration in WDM systems.