Programmable Lasers

High-power ITU laser sources from a versatile, lower-cost, more reliable design

Blue Sky Research's Programmable ITU Lasers will provide preset wavelength for dynamically switchable, high-power laser sources for DWDM-based Optical Networks. Capitalizing on the Company's proprietary technology, the devices are based on a high-power, compact external-cavity structure and an inherently temperature stable, micro-etalon wavelength locker for generating ITU standard wavelengths. The electrical tuning mechanism is entirely non-mechanical, has absolutely no moving parts, and provides quicker switching speed and greater temperature stability than conventional tunable lasers. The combined elements provide compact, cost-effective laser sources offered in two versions: one for high-speed wavelength DWDM network reconfiguration, the other a preset Programmable Laser as a practical, superior alternative to fixed wavelength laser sources.

Compared to conventional laser sources such as distributed bragg reflectors (DBR), Blue Sky Research's Programmable Laser generates higher optical output power over a wide tuning range, with a simpler control design, at much lower cost. Switching speeds are in the microsecond to nanosecond range, and the wavelength locker more than doubles temperature stability. Narrow bandwidth tuning allows channel spacing as low as 50GHz, and a 25GHz design is in development. The Programmable Laser will be produced in a low cost, compact package that fits a butterfly package.

Blue Sky Research, Inc., 3047 Orchard Parkway, San Jose, CA 95134. Tel: 408-474-0988; Fax: 408-474-0989.