Opto-VLSI-based tunable single-mode fiber laser.

A new tunable fiber ring laser structure employing an Opto-VLSI processor and an erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) is reported. The Opto-VLSI processor is able to dynamically select and couple a waveband from the gain spectrum of the EDFA into a fiber ring, leading to a narrow-linewidth high-quality tunable laser output. Experimental results demonstrate a tunable fiber laser of linewidth 0.05 nm and centre wavelength tuned over the C-band with a 0.05 nm step. The measured side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) is greater than 35 dB and the laser output power uniformity is better than 0.25 dB. The laser output is very stable at room temperature.