Frequency beating between monolithically integrated semiconductor ring lasers

Optoelectronic integrated circuits incorporating a pair of optically independent large-cavity semiconductor ring lasers (SRLs), directional couplers, waveguides, Y-junction mixer, and photodetectors are demonstrated. Counterclockwise and clockwise output beams from the two SRLs are collected separately and mixed prior to detection. Frequency beating between modes of two SRLs is measured. The beat frequency is fine-tuned by an integrated Joule heater, designed for thermal control of the lasing wavelength. No signs of frequency lock-in in the vicinity of zero detuning are observed, which makes this structure a promising candidate for applications in ring laser gyros and optical rotation sensors. (C) 2005 American Institute of Physics.