PPT, in collaboration with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, proposes to develop a manufacturable packaging technology for monolithic Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) laser arrays for all-optical fiber communications. The packaging technology will include coupling from a monolithic laser array to individual fibers and a microwave feed for each of the individual elements, all in a hermetically sealable package design. In Phase 1, PPT will develop design concepts for a packaging architecture incorporating high speed electrical interconnect, single mode fiber coupling to optoelectronic arrays, and fiber exit tube geometries; and JPL wiJI design and test the microwave feed for a 4 element laser array. Phase 11 will result in the demonstration of a complete packaging technology on a 4 element laser array, including back facet monitors, thermoelectric cooler, RF feed and single-mode fiber coupling in a hermetically sealed package. Currently, discrete DFB lasers, as well as most other optoelectronic components, are packaged individually, with each laser having its own thermoelectric cooler and package. This adds significantly to the cost of packaging such devices. The development of a robust, manufacturable array packaging technology will allow for low-cost, compact laser array transmitters in WDM networks.
Keywords: Fiber Optic Packaging, Laser Arrays, Detector Arrays, Optoelectronics, OEIC, WDM
