Heterolaser frequency tuning under the action of ultrasonic waves

A new principle of the diode laser frequency tuning has been developed and implemented. According to this, the laser frequency is tuned by alternating strain in the active region of an InGaAsP/InP laser heterostructure emitting in a wavelength range of 1.3–1.8 µm. The strain is induced through the excitation of bulk ultrasonic waves in these heterostructures by means of a specially developed technique. Data on the influence of the alternating strain, induced by the bulk ultrasonic waves, on the spectral characteristics of laser radiation are presented. Estimates based on these data show that the frequency tuning range amounts to ΔF≈110 GHz for an acoustic wave with the frequency f=6.5 MHz and a power of about 1 W.