Bragg-grating-stabilized external cavity lasers for gas sensing using tunable diode laser spectroscopy

S. G. Lynch, F. Chen, J. C. Gates, C. Holmes, S. E. Staines, S. W. James, J. Hodgkinson, P. G.R. Smith, R. P. Tatam

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Conventional singlemode semiconductor DFB and VCSEL lasers used in high resolution spectroscopy are often required to operate at specific, custom wavelengths, such as those associated with gas absorption lines. We present the results of work to develop alternative sources in the 1550nm and 1650nm regions, the latter coinciding with an absorption line of methane. Custom wavelength Bragg gratings have been used to stabilize the output of external cavity lasers implemented in both optical fiber and planar silica-on-silicon integrated circuits, using commercially available semiconductor gain chips, to give laser output at 1648 and 1649 nm, respectively. Thermal expansion or mechanical strain of the Bragg grating offers a suitable wavelength tuning mechanism. Results are presented including the wavelength tuning range, output power, relative intensity noise (RIN), side-mode suppression and linewidth of devices for application in high resolution gas spectroscopy. The different methods of writing Bragg gratings in optical fiber and planar silica-on-silicon allow a high degree of flexibility in the choice of emission wavelength.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNovel In-Plane Semiconductor Lasers XIII
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Print)9780819499158
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes
EventNovel In-Plane Semiconductor Lasers XIII - San Francisco, CA, United States
Duration: 3 Feb 20146 Feb 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume9002
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceNovel In-Plane Semiconductor Lasers XIII
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco, CA
Period3/02/146/02/14

Keywords

  • Bragg grating
  • External cavity diode laser
  • gas spectroscopy
  • optical fiber
  • planar silica-on-silicon

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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