Quantum dot laser - Definition

A quantum dot laser succeeds in minimizing temperature-sensitive output fluctuations, something not possible with previous semiconductor lasers. Fujitsu and the University of Tokyo have developed a 10 Gbit/s quantum dot laser not affected by temperature, for use in optical data communications and optical networks.

Prof. Yasuhiko Arakawa of the University of Tokyo and Fujitsu Limited jointly developed a quantum laser which achieves 10 Gbit/s operation even when the temperature changes. The new semiconductor laser uses 3-dimensional nano-structured quantum dots in the light-emitting area.

The laser is capable of high-speed operation at 1.3 μm wavelengths, at temperatures from 20 °C to 70 °C. It works in optical data transmission systems, optical LANs and metro-access systems. In comparison to the performance of conventional strained quantum-well lasers of the past, the new quantum dot laser achieves significantly higher stability of temperature.

References

• Fujitsu (September 10, 2004). Fujitsu, University of Tokyo Develop World's First 10Gbit/s Quantum Dot Laser Featuring Breakthrough Temperature-Independent Output (http://www.fujitsu.com/news/pr/archives/month/2004/20040910-01.html). Press Release.