A Y-branch photonic crystal laser diode operating at 1.55 μm is presented. The photonic band gap of the three-layered device was calculated by the use of simulation software. The propagation constant was determined from simulation. In addition, a scattering matrix approach was used to model the resonant structure of the beam splitting laser, incorporating the effects of internal reflections on the cavity mode structure and mode spacing. Phase matching conditions were explored, taking into account all the different resonant sub-structures. The results from the phase matching analysis lead directly to an operating mode that reduces threshold current beyond that of the conventional ridge laser. Optical gain calculations in an InGaAsP-InP MQW structure show a threshold current of 0.5mA. This device could be configured to work as a combined optical amplifier and beam splitter. The paper ends with a discussion of how this would be possible.

Date Published: 18 October 2004
PDF: 10 pages
Proc. SPIE 5554, Photonics for Space Environments IX, (18 October 2004); doi: 10.1117/12.562612

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 5554:
Photonics for Space Environments IX
Edward W. Taylor, Editor(s)