Precise characterization of VCSEL in the 1550 nm band having a wavelength tuning range of 12 nm within 10 µs as light sources for fast sensor systems

Abstract. A wavelength tuning range up to 12 nm has been achieved over 12 µs pump current pulses within a usable time of 10 µs applied to VCSELs operating in the near infrared around 1550 nm. The instantaneous optical frequency shift has been measured with an interferometric setup; the overall tuning range has then been verified with an optical spectrum analyzer. The repetition rate of the current pulses can be as high as 20 kHz with almost no influence on the sweep parameters. These results can be used for fast spectroscopic gas analysis or for rapid interferometric swept-source distance sensors.