DBR module with 20-mW constant coupled output power, over 16 nm (40 x 50-GHz spaced channels)

To replace DFB lasers in wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) systems, tu nable lasers should provide the same output power (20 mW) and remain simple devices, We propose a two-section DBR laser with optimized design. The req uired settings to reach all the achievable ITU wavelengths with constant ou tput power are simply derived from very few initial characterizations. We o btain a record 20-mW coupled output power, constant over 16 am (= 40 channe ls 50-GHz spaced). For the first time, power performances comparable with D FB lasers are obtained; DBR lasers are now competitive candidates for an in tegration in WDM systems.