DFB lasers integrated with Mach-Zehnder optical modulator fabricated by selective area growth MOVPE technique

The first monolithically integrated DFB laser/Mach-Zehnder interferometric modulator fabricated by the selective area low pressure MOVPE growth technique is reported. A near 3-dB power divider at the Y-branches of the interferometer has been reproducibly achieved by a photolithographically defined dielectric mask used in the selective area growth technology and confirmed by an infrared near field imaging technique. A modulation depth of over 12 dB was achieved both in the forward and reverse bias to the arms of the phase modulator.>