Open Access Paper
21 November 2017 High-power Al-free active region (λ= 852nm) DFB laser diodes for atomic clocks and interferometry applications
V. Ligeret, F.-J. Vermersch, S. Bansropun, M. Lecomte, M. Calligaro, O. Parillaud, M. Krakowski
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Proceedings Volume 10567, International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2006; 105673N (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2308104
Event: International Conference on Space Optics 2006, 2006, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Abstract
Atomic clocks will be used in the future European positioning system Galileo. Among them, the optically pumped clocks provide a better alternative with comparable accuracy for a more compact system. For these systems, diode lasers emitting at 852nm are strategic components. The laser in a conventional bench for atomic clocks presents disadvantages for spatial applications. A better approach would be to realise a system based on a distributed-feedback laser (DFB). We have developed the technological foundations of such lasers operating at 852nm. These include an Al free active region, a single spatial mode ridge waveguide and a DFB structure.

The device is a separate confinement heterostructure with a GaInP large optical cavity and a single compressive strained GaInAsP quantum well. The broad area laser diodes are characterised by low internal losses (<3cm -1 ), a high internal efficiency (94%) and a low transparency current density (100A/cm2). For an AR-HR coated ridge Fabry Perot laser, we obtain a power of 230mW with M2=1.3.

An optical power of 150mW was obtained at 854nm wavelength, 20°C for AR-HR coated devices. We obtain a single spatial mode emission with M2=1.21 and a SMSR over 30dB, both at 150mW.

DFB Lasers at 852.12nm, corresponding to the D2 caesium transition, were then realised with a power of 40mW, 37°C for uncoated devices. The SMSR is over 30dB and the M2=1.33 at 40mW. Furthermore, the preliminary results of the linewidth obtained with a Fabry Perot interferometer give a value of less than 2MHz.
© (2017) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
V. Ligeret, F.-J. Vermersch, S. Bansropun, M. Lecomte, M. Calligaro, O. Parillaud, and M. Krakowski "High-power Al-free active region (λ= 852nm) DFB laser diodes for atomic clocks and interferometry applications", Proc. SPIE 10567, International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2006, 105673N (21 November 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2308104
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KEYWORDS
Semiconductor lasers

Atomic clocks

Continuous wave operation

Laser development

Laser applications

Cesium

Indium gallium phosphide

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