High-density single-mode laser arrays for quantum systems

Published in: SPIE OPTO 2022

Authors: Riina Ulkuniemi, Petri Melanen, Jari Nikkinen, Jari Ovaskainen, Petteri Uusimaa

Quantum systems have highly variable requirements and tailored solutions depending on the technology. For instance, lasers are used for quantum control of particles or molecules and excitation for quantum systems. For the latter purpose, suitable applications are frequency comb generation, timing sources for picosecond pulses, and single photon emitters. Key performance parameters for lasers used in this area are single-mode operation, narrow linewidth, and frequency stability. Wavelength of the lasers can vary from UV to NIR, as well as the optical output power. Narrow linewidth and frequency stability can be achieved with distributed feedback (DFB) or distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) lasers, when quarter-lambda phase shift is included, or with external cavities.4 For enhancing performance and flexibility, such laser diodes can be fabricated as arrays, or even individually addressable laser diode arrays (IABs). In this work, we report the state-of-the-art diode laser arrays scalable beyond 100 emitters per array, operating in single mode from 900 nm to 930 nm, enabling new possibilities for rising quantum system applications. Our array design enables high power levels per emitter and dense emitter pitch varying from 20 µm to 100 µm, offering opportunities for dense device design and flexibility for applications. The emitters show excellent uniformity and beam profiles throughout the array. Implementing individually addressable emitters to our design offers opportunities for improved control for more complex and demanding applications.

 

 

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