University of Ottawa

Purpose

NRC single-section passively mode-locked InP quantum dot and quantum dash ridge-waveguide lasers are capable of data rates up to 20 Tbit/s from a single laser and over a single optical fiber, achieved through a combination of pulse amplitude modulation or quadrature amplitude modulation, and wavelength division multiplexing among >40 coherent optical channels. This technology has potential to increase dramatically the bandwidth and efficiency of optical networks while reducing overall cost and parts count, improving data and communications with remote regions across Canada. This project aims to further extend the technology with a focus on: 1. Consolidating the evolution from quantum dots to quantum dashes for higher power output; 2. Expanding the laser bandwidth, enabling a larger number of comb channels to be multiplexed; 3. Leveraging the unique properties of quantum dashes to enable stable and efficient operation over a temperature range of 0 to 100°C. Efficient operation at high temperature is of particular importance for low-cost equipment that is deployed outdoors; 4. Establish effective single-section quantum-dash passive-mode-locked coherent comb laser diode (SS-QDash-PML-CCLD) numerical modeling, with known range of validity verified on devices fabricated in previous TERAQD project (id HTSN-216).