Recent developments of InP-based quantum dashes for directly modulated lasers and semiconductor optical amplifiers

We report on the recent advances in InP-based Quantum Dashes (Qdashes) material for 1.55μm optoelectronic devices. We achieve highly uniform, reproducible and wavelength-controlled Qdashes, with a length ranging from 50nm to 500nm depending on the growth conditions. These Qdashes lead either to high modal gain distributed feedback (DFB) lasers or low chirp semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA). Moreover, we demonstrate that Qdashes are compatible with buried ridge stripe and shallow ridge technology and lead to very reliable lasers. Directly modulated lasers with 10GHz bandwidth are demonstrated in continuous wave mode operation. 10Gb/s transmission over 25km in semi-cooled operation is achieved using DFB buried lasers. Qdashes optimization leads to SOA with internal gain of 10 dB and a -3dB optical bandwidth of 120 nm at 50°C, paving the way for semi-cooled CWDM optical sources. Furthermore, low chirp Qdashes SOA are evaluated as optical boosters after a modulated source. Although we still observe overshoots on the amplified signal, the chirp, even in their saturation regime, is low enough to allow for 50 km of transmission at 10Gb/s.