Patent ID: 6658028
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
A method of wavelength locking and mode monitoring a tuneable laser that includes two or more tuneable sections in which injected current can be varied, said sections including at least one reflector section and one phase section, wherein the laser has been characterized with respect to suitable laser operation points that have been determined as different current combinations through the different laser sections, and wherein said laser operates in a predetermined, selected operation point, said method comprising the steps of:detecting the light emitted by the laser with respect to its wavelength with the aid of a wavelength-selective filter; controlling the laser in an iterative process in which alternated currents through at least the reflector section of said laser and the current through the phase section of said laser are adjusted; adjusting the currents through at least the reflector section to obtain a minimum with respect to the ratio between rearwardly-emitted laser light power and forwardly-emitted laser light; and adjusting the current through the phase section of the laser to hold the wavelength constant, said wavelength being measured against a wavelength reference.