Multiwavelength DFB laser array with integrated spot size converters

We describe the design, fabrication, and performance of a five-element quar terwave-shifted distributed feedback laser array with monolithically integr ated spot size converters intended for use as a multiple-wavelength source in dense wavelength-division telecommunications systems. Facet power in exc ess of 10 mW with less than 150 mA bias and longitudinal side mode suppress ion greater than 40 dB were routinely achieved. Narrow far-field full-width at half-maximum angles of 6.9 degrees x 16.3 degrees provided 3.5-dB coupl ing loss into single-mode fiber with 1.0-dB misalignment tolerances of +/-2 .0 mu m. With +/-10 degrees C thermal tuning, 22 1555-nm channels spaced by 50 GHz were accessed with this device. Thorough yield evaluation indicates that such a device is consistent with manufacturing requirements.