Multiwavelength DFB laser array with integrated spot size converters

We describe the design, fabrication, and performance of a five-element quarterwave-shifted distributed feedback laser array with monolithically integrated spot size converters intended for use as a multiple-wavelength source in dense wavelength-division telecommunications systems. Facet power in excess of 10 mW with less than 150 mA bias and longitudinal side mode suppression greater than 40 dB were routinely achieved. Narrow far-field full-width at half-maximum angles of 6.9 degrees x 16.3 degrees provided 3.5-dB coupling loss into single-mode fiber with 1.0-dB misalignment tolerances of +/-2.0 mu m. With +/-10 degrees C thermal tuning, 22 1555-nm channels spaced by 50 GHz were accessed with this device. Thorough yield evaluation indicates that such a device is consistent with manufacturing requirements.