We report on the design and performance of single-frequency VCSELs that are electro-optically tunable in the 852nm wavelength range. Electro-optic tuning of the index of refraction is achieved by changing the reverse-bias electric field in a secondary p-i-n junction that contains coupled quantum wells. The electro-optic tuning is enhanced by putting the index-tuning region in a secondary cavity of a dual-cavity VCSEL. Electro-optic tuning can achieve 1nm of wavelength tuning without changing laser power and can operate at modulation frequencies up to 1GHz.

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Darwin K. Serkland, Robert Lutwak, Stephanie C. Malek, Michael G. Wood, Kent M. Geib, Alejandro J. Grine, Courtney L. Sovinec, Ping-Show Wong, and Victor J. Patel, "Electro-optically tunable single-frequency VCSELs for atomic clocks," Proc. SPIE PC12904, Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers XXVIII, PC1290405 (Presented at SPIE OPTO: January 31, 2024; Published: 13 March 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3003499.5dbefcac-a726-ee11-a999-00505691c5e1.