DESIGN OF A MULTISTRIPE ARRAY GRATING INTEGRATED CAVITY (MAGIC) LASER

We consider the design of a multistripe array grating integrated cavity (MAGIC) laser based upon the Rowland circle solution for a circular grating. We discuss, in detail, the implementation of the MAGIC laser in the InP-based materials system for operation in the 1.5-mu m fiber band. Particular attention is given to optical aberrations and their correction. The optical considerations presented are also valid for other materials systems. Suitable device parameters are derived for the case of a laser that emits eight wavelengths with a 4-nm spacing across the spectral band 1530-1560 nm. Such a device is ideally suited for use in wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) networks that employ erbium-doped fiber amplifiers.