High-power SLD-based BLS module for WDM-PON applications

We developed polarization-independent high-power superluminescent diode (SLD)-based broad- band light sources for low-cost wavelength-division multiplexed-passive optical network (WDM- PON) applications. We used an angled, facet-flared waveguide structure to obtain high optical power and low spectral ripple. An active layer with tensile strain was used to ensure the polariza- tion insensitivity of the optical output. The output power from the SLD device was 150 mW, and the output power at the fiber's end was 68 mW after butterfly packaging at a current of 1.47 A at a temperature of 25 °C. The BLS module had a spectral bandwidth of 40 nm, a polarization- dependent power variation of less than 1 dB, and a spectral ripple of less than 3 dB.