Scattering loss and effective index step of asymmetric cladding surface-etched distributed Bragg reflector lasers at 850 nm

The reflectivity of surface-etched distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) laser gratings, suitable for incorporation in photonic integrated circuits, is determined from a series of samples having varied grating etch depths. The effective index step and DBR scattering loss are used to characterize the relationship between the physical structure and associated optical characteristics of asymmetric cladding surface-etched lasers at 850 nm. These results enable the fabrication of frequency-selective DBR gratings with a predetermined grating index step and reflectivity.