Integrated semiconductor laser with array of interferometric amplifiers

Abstract

The optical device can include a laser configured to generate an optical beam and a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) configured to amplify the optical beam. The MZI can include a first coupler and a second coupler connected via a plurality of arms of the MZI. One of the plurality of arms can provide an optical path for a portion of the optical beam and can include a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) configured to amplify the portion of the optical beam and a phase shifter configured to adjust a phase of the portion of the optical beam.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 895,399, filed on September 3, 2019, entitled “INTEGRATED SEMICONDUCTOR OPTICALAMPLIFIER FOR SEMICONDUCTOR LASERS,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an integrated semiconductor laser having an interferometer amplifier array, and more particularly to an integrated semiconductor laser having an interferometer amplifier array utilizing a plurality of semiconductor optical amplifiers. Background Art

[0004] A semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) can amplify a light beam propagating through the SOA to increase the amount of optical power in the beam. The amplification may occur in the SOA's gain medium, which must be pumped (e.g., provided with current) by an external source. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to some implementations, a photonic integrated circuit may include a laser configured to generate a light beam; and a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (MZI) configured to amplify the light beam, wherein the MZI includes a first coupler and a second coupler connected via a plurality of arms of the MZI, wherein one of the plurality of arms provides an optical path for a portion of the light beam, and includes a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) configured to amplify the portion of the light beam and a phase shifter configured to adjust the phase of the portion of the light beam.

[0006] wherein the first coupler comprises a single input and multiple outputs, wherein the single input of the first coupler is connected to the laser and each of the multiple outputs of the first coupler is connected to a corresponding arm of the multiple arms of the MZI; and the second coupler comprises multiple inputs and a single output, wherein each of the multiple inputs of the second coupler is connected to a corresponding arm of the multiple arms of the MZI and the single output is connected to an output surface of the photonic integrated circuit.

[0007] wherein the first coupler comprises a single input and multiple outputs, wherein the single input of the first coupler is connected to the laser and each of the multiple outputs of the first coupler is connected to a corresponding arm of the multiple arms of the MZI; and the second coupler comprises multiple inputs and multiple outputs, wherein each of the multiple inputs of the second coupler is connected to a corresponding arm of the multiple arms of the MZI and the multiple outputs are connected to output surfaces of the photonic integrated circuit.

[0008] The second coupler comprises a plurality of outputs, wherein at least one of the plurality of outputs of the second coupler is connected to a monitoring photodiode.

[0009] The second coupler comprises a plurality of outputs, wherein at least one of the plurality of outputs of the second coupler is connected to a tapped photodiode.

[0010] The laser and the MZI are connected via a series SOA.

[0011] The first coupler and the second coupler are multi-mode interference (MMI) couplers, star couplers or directional couplers.

[0012] The laser is a tunable laser or a frequency modulated laser, and the laser includes a rear mirror, a phase shifter component, a laser gain component and a front mirror.

[0013] According to some implementations, a photonic integrated circuit may include one or more lasers; and a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) connected to the one or more lasers, comprising: a first coupler comprising at least one input and a plurality of outputs; a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) array comprising a plurality of arms, wherein each arm of the plurality of arms comprises an SOA and a phase shifter; and a second coupler comprising a plurality of inputs and at least one output.

[0014] Wherein the first coupler is a 1×2 coupler and the second coupler is a 2×1 coupler; the first coupler is a 1×2 coupler and the second coupler is a 2×2 coupler; the first coupler is a 2×2 coupler and the second coupler is a 2×1 coupler; or the first coupler is a 2×2 coupler and the second coupler is a 2×2 coupler.

[0015] Wherein, the at least one output of the second coupler is connected to a tap photodiode or a monitoring photodiode.

[0016] The one or more lasers include a first laser and a second laser, wherein: the first laser is configured to generate a light beam associated with a first frequency; and the second laser is configured to generate a light beam associated with a second frequency, wherein a difference between the first frequency and the second frequency is 50% of a free spectral range of the MZI.

[0017] Each arm of the plurality of arms of the SOA array is configured to have an arm length different from any other arm of the plurality of arms.

[0018] The SOA and the phase shifter associated with one of the arms of the SOA array are connected via a waveguide.

[0019] The one or more lasers include a first laser and a second laser, wherein: the first laser and the second laser are connected to the first coupler of the MZI via respective front mirrors of the first laser and the second laser; and the first laser and the second laser are connected to a third coupler via respective rear mirrors of the first laser and the second laser, wherein the output of the third coupler is connected to a monitoring photodiode.

[0020] Wherein: the first laser is configured to emit a first light beam, and the second laser is configured to be turned off when the monitoring photodiode does not detect a fault condition; or the second laser is configured to emit a second light beam, and the first laser is configured to be turned off when the monitoring photodiode detects the fault condition.

[0021] According to some implementations, a photonic integrated circuit may include a laser connected to a first coupler; the first coupler connected to a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) array; and the SOA array including a plurality of arms, wherein each arm of the plurality of arms includes an SOA and a phase shifter.

[0022] The laser is connected to the first coupler via a series SOA.

[0023] The first coupler and the SOA array are included in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI).

[0024] wherein the first coupler comprises a single input and multiple outputs, wherein the single input of the first coupler is connected to a front mirror of the laser, and each of the multiple outputs of the first coupler is connected to a corresponding arm of the multiple arms of the SOA array. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figures 1-9is a schematic diagram of one or more example implementations described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following detailed description of example implementations refers to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0027] Coherent frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems can utilize semiconductor integrated lasers (e.g., provided in an integrated chip). However, FMCW LIDAR systems may require higher optical power output (e.g., 9-10 times higher) than that produced by typical semiconductor integrated lasers (e.g., for coherent telecommunication transmission applications). In some cases, an amplifier (e.g., an SOA) can be integrated with the semiconductor integrated laser (e.g., on the same die as the semiconductor integrated laser), but in order to scale to higher optical power output, the length and / or area of ​​the SOA may need to be increased. However, increasing the size of the SOA may change the design of the active layer in the integrated chip (e.g., to maintain chip efficiency, prevent optical power saturation due to injection current, and / or the like). This may inhibit the functionality of the integrated chip and / or the FMCW LIDAR system. Additionally or alternatively, catastrophic failure of the laser or amplifier (e.g., in a single amplifier architecture) may result in a complete loss of functionality of the integrated chip and / or the FMCW LIDAR system.

[0028] Some implementations described herein provide optical devices that include an integrated laser and an integrated Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI). In some implementations, the optical device can be a photonic integrated circuit that can include various semiconductor materials, such as Group III-V semiconductors (e.g., gallium arsenide (GaAs), indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs), indium gallium arsenide phosphide (InGaAsP), aluminum indium gallium arsenide (InGaAlAs), indium phosphide (InP), and / or the like), Group IV semiconductors (e.g., silicon (Si) and / or the like), and / or the like (e.g., as a platform to integrate active and passive photonic circuits with electronic components on a single chip). In some implementations, the MZI can include a first coupler, an array of amplifiers, and a second coupler. In some implementations, the first coupler can be configured to split a light beam into a plurality of beam portions, where each beam portion propagates through a respective arm of a plurality of arms of the array of amplifiers. In some implementations, the arms can include amplifiers (e.g., SOAs) and / or phase shifters to amplify and / or adjust a phase of the respective beam portions. The plurality of beam portions (e.g., after being amplified) can propagate to the second coupler, which can recombine the beam portions and / or mix the beam portions for emission from the optical device.

[0029] In this way, the array of amplifiers described herein can enable scaling to higher optical power output without having to change the design of the active layer of the optical device. Moreover, the array of amplifiers can allow the optical device to have greater fault tolerance compared to an integrated chip that uses a single amplifier. For example, if one of the amplifiers in the array of amplifiers fails, the optical device can still deliver an output beam (e.g., at a slightly reduced power output). The reduced power output can reduce the detection range of the FMCW LIDAR system, but can then allow the FMCW LIDAR system to continue operating. Moreover, the secondary laser can be included on the same die in the optical device to enable the optical device to continue operating when the primary laser fails.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the optical device can provide a plurality of beams as output from the optical device, which can enable a multi-beam FMCW LIDAR system to provide a wide angular scan range and a high point cloud density. Moreover, the optical device can provide dynamic reconfigurability of the output power in each of the plurality of beams, which can enable the FMCW LIDAR system to optimize for long range, narrow field of view, or short range, wide field of view.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, the optical device can provide multiple beams (e.g., from multiple lasers), which can enable a multi-color, multi-beam FMCW LIDAR system to provide concurrent target range and velocity resolution. Additionally or alternatively, the optical device can include two lasers of different wavelengths to be coupled to the MZI to allow the respective beams from the two lasers to be multiplexed into a single output beam without incurring coupling losses (e.g., 3 decibel (dB) coupling loss).

[0032] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a top perspective view of an example optical device 100 described herein. Figure 1 As shown, optical device 100 may include laser 102, Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) 104, rear output surface 106, and / or front output surface 108. Rear output surface 106 and front output surface 108 may each have an antireflective (AR) coating.

[0033] In some implementations, the laser 102 and the MZI 104 can be integrated into a substrate of the optical device 100 (e.g., on a single die), and the optical device 100 can be a photonic integrated circuit (e.g., which can include various semiconductor materials such as GaAs, InGaAs, InGaAsP, InGaAlAs, InP, Si, and / or the like), a planar lightwave chip that integrates optical components to form the optical device 100, and / or the like.

[0034] The laser 102 may be a tunable laser and / or a frequency modulated laser. The laser 102 may include a rear mirror 110, a phase shifter component 112, a laser gain component 114, a front mirror component 116, and / or the like. The rear mirror 110 may include an output connected to the rear output surface 106 of the optical device 100. The front mirror component 116 may include an output connected to the MZI 104 (e.g., via an input of a first coupler 118 of the MZI 104).

[0035] The MZI 104 may include a first coupler 118, an amplifier array 120, a second coupler 122, etc. The first coupler 118 and the second coupler 122 may be a multi-mode interference (MMI) coupler, a star coupler, a directional coupler, or any other similar type of coupler. The first coupler 118 may include a single input and multiple outputs. For example, Figure 1As shown, the first coupler 118 can be a 1×2 coupler (e.g., a coupler having one input and two outputs). The input of the first coupler 118 can be connected to the laser 102 (e.g., via the output of the front mirror component 116 of the laser 102). The multiple outputs of the first coupler 118 can be connected to the amplifier array 120 (e.g., where one of the multiple outputs of the first coupler 118 is connected to one input of one of the multiple SOAs 124 of the amplifier array 120).

[0036] The amplifier array 120 may include a plurality of SOAs 124 and a plurality of phase shifters 126. In some implementations, the amplifier array 120 may include a plurality of arms (e.g., arms each connected to one output of the first coupler 118 and one input of the second coupler 122), wherein each arm includes an SOA 124 and / or a phase shifter 126 (e.g., directly coupled together or indirectly coupled together via a waveguide). For example, Figure 1 As shown, amplifier array 120 includes two arms, wherein the first arm includes SOA 124-1 and phase shifter 126-1, and the second arm includes SOA 124-2 and phase shifter 126-2. SOA 124-1 and SOA 124-2 may each have an input connected to a corresponding output of first coupler 118. Phase shifter 126-1 and phase shifter 126-2 may each have an output connected to a corresponding input of second coupler 122. Additionally or alternatively, the order of the plurality of SOAs 124 and the plurality of phase shifters 126 may be reversed in each arm of amplifier array 120. For example, phase shifter 126-1 and phase shifter 126-2 may each have an input connected to a corresponding output of first coupler 118, and SOA 124-1 and SOA 124-2 may each have an output connected to a corresponding input of second coupler 122.

[0037] The second coupler 122 may include multiple inputs and a single output. Figure 1 As shown, the second coupler 122 can be a 2×1 coupler (e.g., a coupler having two inputs and one output). The multiple inputs of the second coupler 122 can be connected to the amplifier array 120 (e.g., where one of the multiple inputs of the second coupler 122 is connected to the output of one of the multiple phase shifters 126 of the amplifier array 120). The output of the second coupler 122 can be connected to the front output surface 108.

[0038] In some implementations, the laser 102 can be configured to generate a beam that can propagate to a first coupler 118 (e.g., via the output of the front mirror component 116 of the laser 102 and the input of the first coupler 118). The first coupler 118 can split the beam into a plurality of beam portions. The plurality of beam portions can propagate from the first coupler 118 to the amplifier array 120 (e.g., via the plurality of outputs of the first coupler 118 and the corresponding inputs of the plurality of SOAs 124 in the plurality of arms of the amplifier array 120). The amplifier array 120 can amplify and / or adjust the phase of each of the plurality of beam portions (e.g., via the corresponding SOAs 124 and the corresponding phase shifters 126 in the plurality of arms of the amplifier array 120). The plurality of beam portions can propagate from the amplifier array 120 to the second coupler 122 (e.g., via the corresponding outputs of the plurality of phase shifters 126 in the plurality of arms of the amplifier array 120 and the plurality of inputs of the second coupler 122). The second coupler 122 can combine the plurality of beam portions to form a recombined beam. The recombined light beam may propagate from the second coupler 122 to the front output surface 108 (eg, via the output of the second coupler 122 ), and then be emitted from the optical device 100 (eg, via the front output surface 108 ).

[0039] In some implementations, each phase shifter 126 of the multiple arms of the amplifier array can be configured to ensure constructive interference of the multiple beam portions when the multiple beam portions are combined to form a recombined beam in the second coupler 122. For example, the phase shifter 126-1 can be configured to adjust the phase of the first beam portion, and the phase shifter 126-2 can be configured to adjust the phase of the second beam portion, so that the first beam portion and the second beam portion are added together to form the recombined beam when propagating to or through the second coupler 122. The recombined beam can have an optical power that is up to 2 times greater than the optical power of any other beam portion in the multiple beam portions.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, some components (e.g. Figure 1 Components shown without shading), such as rear mirror 110, phase shifter component 112, front mirror component 116, first coupler 118, phase shifter 126-1, phase shifter 126-2, and / or second coupler 122, can provide an adjustable refractive index shift (e.g., phase shift) for the light beam and / or at least one of the plurality of beam portions. Additionally or alternatively, some components (e.g., Figure 1The illustrated shaded components, such as the laser gain section 114, SOA 124-1, and / or SOA 124-2, can amplify (e.g., provide optical gain to) at least one of the beam and / or the plurality of beam portions. It should be appreciated that optical amplification can also be accompanied by an optical phase shift, but typically by much smaller amounts than a dedicated phase shifter section with a similar geometry.

[0041] In some implementations, the laser gain section 114, SOA 124-1, and / or SOA 124-2 can be connected to the same power supply and can amplify at least one of the beam and / or the plurality of beam portions by the same or similar amounts (e.g., when the same or similar current is provided to the laser gain section 114, SOA 124-1, and / or SOA 124-2). Additionally or alternatively, the laser gain section 114, SOA 124-1, and SOA 124-2 can be connected to different power supplies and can amplify at least one of the beam and / or the plurality of beam portions by different amounts (e.g., when different currents are provided to the laser gain section 114, SOA 124-1, and / or SOA 124-2, respectively).

[0042] As described above, Figure 1 are provided by way of one or more examples only. Other examples can differ Figure 1 from the examples described.

[0043] Figure 2A-2B are shown. The optical devices 200 and 250 can include the same or similar components as the optical device 100. Thus, particular components of the optical devices 200 and 250 can be configured in the same or similar manner as the same or similar components of the optical device 100, as described herein.

[0044] As Figures 2A-2B shown, the optical devices 200 and 250 can each include a laser 102 (e.g., as described with respect to Figure 1 the laser 102) and an MZI 204. The MZI 204 can be similar to the MZI 104 and can include a first coupler 118 and an amplifier array 120 (e.g., as described with respect to Figure 1 the first coupler 118 and the amplifier array 120) and a second coupler 222.

[0045] The second coupler 222 can be similar to the second coupler 122 described herein. In some implementations, the second coupler 222 can be an MMI coupler, a star coupler, a directional coupler, or any other similar type of coupler. The second coupler 222 can include multiple inputs and multiple outputs. For example, as shown in FIG2 , the second coupler 222 can be a 2×2 coupler (e.g., a coupler with two inputs and two outputs). The multiple inputs of the second coupler 222 can be connected to the amplifier array 120 (e.g., where one of the multiple inputs of the second coupler 122 is connected to the output of one of the multiple phase shifters 126 of the amplifier array 120).

[0046] like Figure 2A As shown in FIG and with reference to the optical device 200, multiple outputs of the second coupler 222 can be connected to the front output surface 108 to enable multiple beam emission from the optical device 200. For example, the second coupler 222 can mix multiple beam portions (e.g., which propagate to the second coupler 222 via the amplifier array 120 to be used with the optical device 200 described herein). Figure 1 The mixed beam portions can be transmitted from the second coupler 222 to the front output surface 108 (e.g., via the plurality of outputs of the second coupler 222) and then emitted from the optical device 200 (e.g., via the front output surface 108).

[0047] Each of the plurality of outputs of the second coupler 222 can be associated with a corresponding amount of optical power. As shown in FIG2 , when the second coupler 222 is a 2×2 coupler (e.g., a coupler having two inputs and two outputs), the second coupler 222 can include a primary output and a supplemental output, each associated with a different amount of optical power. The second coupler 222 and / or the phase shifters 126 - 1 and 126 - 2 of the amplifier array 120 can be configured to ensure that the output power of the first mixed beam portion propagated via the primary output and the output power of the second mixed beam portion propagated via the supplemental output conform to a specific ratio (e.g., the power of the first mixed beam is ten times greater than the power of the second mixed beam).

[0048] like Figure 2BAs shown in FIG and with reference to the optical device 250, at least one of the plurality of outputs of the second coupler 222 can be connected to a monitor photodiode 228. The monitor photodiode 228 can be configured to measure an amount of current associated with the at least one output (e.g., which can be indicative of an amount of optical power of a mixed light beam propagating via the at least one output). In some implementations, the monitor photodiode 228 can be used as part of a feedback control loop to minimize the amount of current associated with the monitor photodiode 228, thereby minimizing the amount of optical power of the mixed light beam propagating via the at least one output. In this way, the monitor photodiode 228 can help minimize the amount of optical power of the mixed light beam associated with the supplemental output of the second coupler 222, and thus can help maximize the amount of optical power associated with the main output of the second coupler 222.

[0049] As shown above, Figure 2A-2B Provided as an example only. Other examples may differ from the reference Figure 2A-2B An example of description.

[0050] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a top perspective view of an example optical device 300 described herein. Optical device 300 may include the same or similar components as optical devices 100, 200, and / or 250. Thus, as described herein, certain components of optical device 300 may be configured in the same or similar manner as the same or similar components of optical devices 100, 200, and / or 250.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the optical device 300 may include a laser 102 (e.g., as described with respect to Figure 1 ) and MZI 304. MZI 304 may include a first coupler 318, an amplifier array 320, and a second coupler 322.

[0052] The first coupler 318 can be the same as or similar to the first coupler 118 described herein. In some implementations, the first coupler 318 can be an MMI coupler, a star coupler, a directional coupler, or any other similar type of coupler. The first coupler 318 can include a single input and multiple outputs. For example, Figure 3 As shown, the first coupler 318 can be a 1×N coupler (e.g., a coupler having one input and N outputs), where N is greater than or equal to 2. The input of the first coupler 118 can be connected to the laser 102 (e.g., via the output of the front mirror component 116 of the laser 102). The multiple outputs of the first coupler 318 can be connected to the amplifier array 320 (e.g., where one of the multiple outputs of the first coupler 318 is connected to the input of one of the multiple SOAs 124 of the amplifier array 320).

[0053] The amplifier array 320 can be the same as or similar to the amplifier array 120 described herein. In some implementations, the amplifier array 320 can include multiple SOAs 124 and multiple phase shifters 126. In some implementations, the amplifier array 320 can include multiple arms (e.g., each connected to an output of the first coupler 318 and an input of the second coupler 322), each of which includes an SOA 124 and / or a phase shifter 126 (e.g., directly coupled together or indirectly coupled together via a waveguide). For example, Figure 3 As shown, amplifier array 320 includes N arms, where N is greater than or equal to 2, and wherein the first arm includes SOA 124-1 and phase shifter 126-1, and the Nth arm includes SOA 124-N and phase shifter 126-N. SOAs 124-1 through 124-N may each have an input connected to a respective output of first coupler 318. Phase shifters 126-1 through 126-N may each have an output connected to a respective input of second coupler 322. Additionally or alternatively, the order of the plurality of SOAs 124 and the plurality of phase shifters 126 may be reversed in each arm of amplifier array 120. For example, phase shifters 126-1 through 126-N may each have an input connected to a respective output of first coupler 318, and SOAs 124-1 through 124-N may each have an output connected to a respective input of second coupler 322.

[0054] The second coupler 322 can be the same as or similar to the second coupler 122 and / or the second coupler 222 described herein. In some implementations, the second coupler 322 can be an MMI coupler, a star coupler, a directional coupler, or any other similar type of coupler. The second coupler 322 can include multiple inputs and multiple outputs. For example, Figure 3 As shown, the second coupler 222 can be an N×N coupler (e.g., a coupler having N inputs and N outputs), where N is greater than or equal to 2. Multiple inputs of the second coupler 322 can be connected to the amplifier array 320 (e.g., where one of the multiple inputs of the second coupler 322 is connected to the output of one of the multiple phase shifters 126 of the amplifier array 320). Multiple outputs of the second coupler 322 can be connected to the front output surface 108 to enable multi-beam emission from the optical device 300.

[0055] In some implementations, the laser 102 can be configured to generate a light beam that can propagate to the first coupler 318 (e.g., via the output of the front mirror component 116 of the laser 102 and the input of the first coupler 318). The first coupler 318 can split the light beam into a plurality of beam portions, which can propagate from the first coupler 318 to the amplifier array 320 (e.g., via the plurality of outputs of the first coupler 118 and the corresponding inputs of the plurality of SOAs 124 in the plurality of arms of the amplifier array 320). The amplifier array 320 can amplify and / or adjust the phase of each of the plurality of beam portions (e.g., via the corresponding SOAs in the plurality of arms of the amplifier array 320). 124 and corresponding phase shifters 126). Multiple beam portions can propagate from the amplifier array 320 to the second coupler 322 (e.g., via corresponding outputs of the multiple phase shifters 126 of the multiple arms of the amplifier array 320 and the multiple inputs of the second coupler 322). The second coupler 322 can mix the multiple beam portions to form a plurality of mixed beam portions. The mixed beam portions can propagate from the second coupler 322 to the front output surface 108 (e.g., via the multiple outputs of the second coupler 322) and can be emitted from the optical device 300 (e.g., via the front output surface 108). Each output of the second coupler 322 can be configured to propagate a mixed beam portion associated with an amount of optical power. In some implementations, the mixed beam portion emitted via a particular output of the second coupler 322 can have an optical power that is up to N times greater than the optical power of any other mixed beam portion emitted by the second coupler 322.

[0056] As mentioned above, Figure 3 Provided only as one or more examples. Other examples may be relevant to the reference Figure 3 Different than described.

[0057] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a top perspective view of an example optical device 400 described herein. Optical device 400 may include the same or similar components as optical devices 100, 200, 250, and / or 300. Thus, certain components of optical device 400 may be configured in the same or similar manner as the same or similar components of optical devices 100, 200, 250, and / or 300 described herein.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the optical device 400 may include a laser 102 and an MZI 104 (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. Figure 1 As described above, the optical device 400 may include an inline SOA 430. The inline SOA 430 may include a single input and a single output. Figure 4As shown, the input of the series SOA can be connected to the laser 102 (e.g., via the output of the front mirror component 116 of the laser 102) and the output can be connected to the MZI 104 (e.g., via the input of the first coupler 118). When a laser beam propagates from the laser 102 to the MZI 104, the series SOA 430 can be configured to amplify the beam of light generated by the laser 102. As described herein with respect to Figure 1 As described, the series SOA 430 can be connected to the same power supply as the laser gain component 114, the SOA 124-1, and / or the SOA 124-2 or a different power supply.

[0059] As described above, Figure 4 are provided by way of one or more examples only. Other examples can differ from what is described Figure 4 herein.

[0060] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a top perspective view of an example optical device 500 described herein. The optical device 500 can include the same or similar components as the optical devices 100, 200, 250, 300, and / or 400. Thus, particular components of the optical device 500 can be configured in the same or similar manner as the same or similar components of the optical devices 100, 200, 250, 300, and / or 400 described herein.

[0061] The optical device 500 can include the laser 102 (e.g., as described with respect to Figure 1 the MZI 204 (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. 2), and one or more additional MZIs 532 (e.g., also referred to as one or more cascaded MZIs 532). For example, as Figure 5 shown, the MZI 204 can be connected (e.g., in parallel) to an additional MZI 532-A and an additional MZI 532-B (e.g., the first output of the second coupler 222 of the MZI 204 is connected to the input of the first coupler 118-A of the additional MZI 532-A, and the second output of the second coupler 222 of the MZI 204 is connected to the input of the first coupler 118-B of the additional MZI 532-B).

[0062] The additional MZIs 532 can be the same or similar to the MZI 204 and can include the first coupler 118, the amplifier array 120, and the second coupler 222. For example, as Figure 5As shown, the additional MZI 532-A may include the first coupler 118-A, the amplifier array 120-A (e.g., including a first arm including the SOA 124-A1 and the phase shifter 126-A1 and a second arm including the SOA 124-A2 and the phase shifter 126-A2), and the second coupler 222-A. Additionally or alternatively, the additional MZI 532-B may include the first coupler 118-B, the amplifier array 120-B (e.g., including a first arm including the SOA 124-B1 and the phase shifter 126-B1 and a second arm including the SOA 124-B2 and the phase shifter 126-B2), and the second coupler 222-B.

[0063] As mentioned above, Figure 5 Provided only as one or more examples. Other examples may be relevant to the reference Figure 4 Description is different.

[0064] Figure 6A-Figure 6B Respective top perspective views of example optical devices 600 and 650 described herein are shown. Optical devices 600 and 650 can include the same or similar components as optical devices 100, 200, 250, 300, 400, and / or 500. Accordingly, certain components of optical devices 600 and / or 650 can be configured in a similar or similar manner as the same or similar components of optical devices 100, 200, 250, 300, 400, and / or 500 described herein.

[0065] like Figure 6A-Figure 6B As shown, optical devices 600 and 650 may each include a laser 102 (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. Figure 1 as described). Figure 6A As shown, the optical device 600 may additionally include an MZI 204 (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. 2 ). Figure 6B As shown, the optical device 650 may additionally include an MZI 304 (e.g., as described with respect to Figure 3 described).

[0066] like Figure 6A As shown, with reference to the optical device 600, a tap photodiode 634 can be connected to at least one of the plurality of outputs of the second coupler 222 of the MZI 204. For example, as shown in FIG6 , a tap photodiode 634-1 can be connected to the first output of the second coupler 222, and a tap photodiode 634-2 can be connected to the second output of the second coupler 222.

[0067] Similarly, if Figure 6BAs shown and referring to the optical device 650, the tapped photodiode 634 can be connected to at least one of the plurality of outputs of the second coupler 322 of the MZI 304. For example, as shown in FIG6 , N tapped photodiodes 634 (e.g., tapped photodiodes 634-1 through 634-N) can be connected to each of the N outputs of the second coupler 322, respectively.

[0068] The tapped photodiode 634 can be configured to measure the amount of optical power associated with the output connected to the tapped photodiode 634 (e.g., by absorbing the optical power of a small portion of the optical beam portion propagating through the output), which optical power can be used as a feedback signal to control settings of the MZI 204 and / or MZI 304 (e.g., amplification settings, phase settings, and / or the like).

[0069] As mentioned above, Figures 6A-6B This is provided as an example only. Other examples can be found in the reference Figure 6A-Figure 6B Description is different.

[0070] Figure 7A-7B are diagrams illustrating respective top perspective views of example optical devices 700 and 750 described herein. Optical devices 700 and 750 may include the same or similar components as optical devices 100, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, and / or 650. Thus, certain components of optical devices 700 and / or 750 may be configured in the same or similar manner as the same or similar components of optical devices 100, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, and / or 650 described herein.

[0071] like Figures 7A-7B As shown, optical devices 700 and 750 may each include a laser 102 (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. Figure 1 ) and / or tandem SOA 430 (e.g., as described with respect to Figure 4 As described). Figure 7A As shown, the optical device 700 may additionally include a first coupler 118 and an amplifier array 120 (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. Figure 1 as described above), rather than additionally including an MZI. Figure 7B As shown, the optical device 750 may additionally include a first coupler 318 and an amplifier array 320 (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. Figure 3 described).

[0072] like Figure 7AAs shown, with respect to optical device 700, the input of first coupler 118 can be connected to the output of series SOA 430, and each of the plurality of outputs of first coupler 118 can be respectively connected to one of the one or more arms of amplifier array 120. The arms of amplifier array 120 can include SOAs 124 and / or phase shifters 126 (e.g., directly coupled together or indirectly coupled together via waveguides). Each phase shifter 126 can include an output connected to front output surface 108 of optical device 700. For example, as shown, first arm of amplifier array 120 includes phase shifter 126-1 coupled to SOA 124-1, which has an output connected to front output surface 108. Second arm of amplifier array 120 includes phase shifter 126-2 coupled to SOA 124-2, which has an output connected to front output surface 108. Figure 7A As shown, series SOA 430 is connected to first coupler 118, which includes a first output connected to a first arm of amplifier array 120 and a second output connected to a second arm of amplifier array 120. The first arm includes SOA 124-1 coupled to phase shifter 126-1, which has an output connected to front output surface 108. The second arm includes SOA 124-2 coupled to phase shifter 126-2, which has an output connected to front output surface 108.

[0073] In some implementations, with respect to optical device 700, laser 102 can be configured to generate a light beam that can be propagated to series SOA 430, which can amplify the light beam. The light beam can be propagated to first coupler 118 (e.g., via an output of series SOA 430 and an input of first coupler 118). First coupler 118 can split the light beam into a plurality of light beam portions, which can be propagated from first coupler 118 to amplifier array 120 (e.g., via a plurality of outputs of first coupler 118 and respective inputs of a plurality of SOAs 124 in a plurality of arms of amplifier array 120). Amplifier array 120 can amplify and / or adjust a phase of each of the plurality of light beam portions (e.g., via respective SOAs 124 and respective phase shifters 126 in the plurality of arms of amplifier array 120). The plurality of light beam portions can be propagated from amplifier array 120 (e.g., via respective outputs of the plurality of phase shifters 126 in the plurality of arms of amplifier array 120) and can be emitted from optical device 700 (e.g., via front output surface 108).

[0074] As shown, with respect to optical device 700, the input of first coupler 118 can be connected to the output of series SOA 430, and each of the plurality of outputs of first coupler 118 can be respectively connected to one of the one or more arms of amplifier array 120. The arms of amplifier array 120 can include SOAs 124 and / or phase shifters 126 (e.g., directly coupled together or indirectly coupled together via waveguides). Each phase shifter 126 can include an output connected to front output surface 108 of optical device 700. For example, as shown, first arm of amplifier array 120 includes phase shifter 126-1 coupled to SOA 124-1, which has an output connected to front output surface 108. Second arm of amplifier array 120 includes phase shifter 126-2 coupled to SOA 124-2, which has an output connected to front output surface 108. Figure 7BAs shown, with respect to optical device 750, the input of first coupler 318 can be connected to the output of series SOA 430, and each of the plurality of outputs of first coupler 318 can be connected to one of one or more arms of amplifier array 320. The arms of amplifier array 320 can include SOAs 124 and / or phase shifters 126 (e.g., directly coupled together or indirectly coupled together via waveguides). Each phase shifter 126 can include an output connected to the front output surface 108 of optical device 750. For example, as shown in FIG7 , series SOA 430 is connected to first coupler 318, which includes N outputs, respectively, connected to each of the N arms of amplifier array 320. The first arm includes SOA 124-1 coupled to phase shifter 126-1, with the SOA 124-1 having an output connected to the front output surface 108. Furthermore, the Nth arm includes an SOA 124 -N coupled to a phase shifter 126 -N, the SOA 124 -N having an output connected to the front output surface 108 .

[0075] In some implementations, with respect to the optical device 750, the laser 102 can be configured to generate a light beam that can propagate to the series SOA 430, which can amplify the light beam. The light beam can propagate to the first coupler 318 (e.g., via the output of the series SOA 430 and the input of the first coupler 318). The first coupler 318 can split the light beam into a plurality of beam portions, which can propagate from the first coupler 318 to the amplifier array 320 (e.g., via the plurality of outputs of the first coupler 118 and the corresponding inputs of the plurality of SOAs 124 in the plurality of arms of the amplifier array 320). The amplifier array 320 can amplify and / or adjust the phase of each of the plurality of beam portions (e.g., via the corresponding SOA 124 and the corresponding phase shifter 126 in the plurality of arms of the amplifier array 320). The plurality of beam portions can propagate from the amplifier array 320 (e.g., via the corresponding outputs of the plurality of phase shifters 126 in the plurality of arms of the amplifier array 320) and can be emitted from the optical device 750 (e.g., via the front output surface 108).

[0076] As mentioned above, FIG7 is provided only as one or more examples. Other examples may differ from those described with reference to FIG7.

[0077] Figure 8is a diagram illustrating a top perspective view of an exemplary optical device 800 described herein. Optical device 800 may include the same or similar components as optical devices 100, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, 650, 700, and / or 750. Thus, certain components of optical device 800 may be configured in the same or similar manner as the same or similar components of optical devices 100, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, 650, 700, and / or 750 described herein.

[0078] like Figure 8 As shown, the optical device 800 may include a laser 802-1, a laser 802-2, and an MZI 804. The laser 802-1 may be the same as or similar to the laser 102 described herein. In some implementations, the laser 802-1 may include a rear mirror component 810-1, a phase shifter component 812-1, a laser gain component 814-1, a front mirror component 816-1, and / or the like. The front mirror component 816-1 may include an output connected to the MZI 804 (e.g., via one of the multiple inputs of the first coupler 818 of the MZI 804). The rear mirror component 810-1 may include an output connected to the third coupler 836 (e.g., via one of the multiple inputs of the third coupler 836).

[0079] In addition, the laser 802-2 can be the same as or similar to the laser 102 described herein. In some implementations, the laser 802-2 can include a rear mirror component 810-2, a phase shifter component 812-2, a laser gain component 814-2, a front mirror component 816-2, and / or the like. The front mirror component 816-2 can include an output connected to the MZI 804 (e.g., via one of the multiple inputs of the first coupler 818 of the MZI 804). The rear mirror component 810-2 can include an output connected to the third coupler 836 (e.g., via one of the multiple inputs of the third coupler 836).

[0080] The MZI 804 may include a first coupler 818, an amplifier array 120, a second coupler 222, and / or the like. The first coupler 818 may be similar to the first coupler 118 described herein. In some implementations, the first coupler 818 may be an MMI coupler, a star coupler, a directional coupler, or any other similar type of coupler. The first coupler 818 may provide an adjustable refractive index shift (e.g., a phase shift) for one or more beam portions propagating through the first coupler 818. The first coupler 818 may include multiple inputs and multiple outputs. For example, Figure 8As shown, the first coupler 818 can be a 2×2 coupler (e.g., a coupler having two inputs and two outputs). The first input of the first coupler 818 can be connected to the laser 802-1 (e.g., via the output of the front mirror component 816-1 of the laser 802-1). The second input of the first coupler 818 can be connected to the laser 802-2 (e.g., via the output of the front mirror component 816-2 of the laser 802-2). The multiple outputs of the first coupler 818 can be connected to the amplifier array 120 (e.g., where one output of the multiple outputs of the first coupler 818 is connected to the input of one of the multiple SOAs 124 of the amplifier array 120).

[0081] In some implementations, the third coupler 836 can be an MMI coupler, a star coupler, a directional coupler, or any other similar type of coupler. The third coupler 836 can include multiple inputs and multiple outputs. For example, Figure 8 As shown, the third coupler 836 can be a 2×2 coupler (e.g., a coupler with two inputs and two outputs). The first input of the third coupler 836 can be connected to the laser 802-1 (e.g., via the output of the rear mirror component 810-1 of the laser 802-1). The second input of the third coupler 836 can be connected to the laser 802-2 (e.g., via the output of the rear mirror component 810-2 of the laser 802-2). At least one of the multiple outputs of the third coupler 836 can be connected to the rear output surface 106 of the optical device 800. Figure 8 As shown, at least one of the plurality of outputs of the third coupler 836 can be connected to a monitor photodiode 838. The monitor photodiode 838 can be configured to measure an amount of current associated with the at least one output.

[0082] In some implementations, only one laser 802 of the optical device 800 can generate a light beam at a time. For example, the laser 802-1 can be configured to generate a first light beam. The first portion of the light beam can propagate to the MZI 804 to form multiple mixed light beams emitted from the optical device 800 (e.g., in the same manner as described herein). Figure 12 ). Additionally, the second portion of the light beam can be transmitted to a third coupler 836 (e.g., via an output of the rear mirror assembly 810-1 and one of the plurality of inputs of the third coupler 836). The third coupler 836 can split the second portion of the light beam into a plurality of beam portions and can transmit the plurality of beam portions to a plurality of outputs of the third coupler 836. A monitoring photodiode 838 connected to at least one of the plurality of outputs of the third coupler 836 can measure an amount of current associated with the at least one output. As long as the monitor photodiode 838 does not detect a fault condition (e.g., as long as the measured amount of current associated with the at least one output of the third coupler 836 satisfies (e.g., is greater than or equal to) a threshold), the laser 802-1 can be configured to generate the first light beam and / or the laser 802-2 can be configured to be turned off. Additionally or alternatively, when the monitor photodiode 838 detects a fault condition (e.g., a measured current amount associated with at least one output fails to meet (e.g., is less than) a threshold value), the laser 802-1 can be configured to cease generating the first light beam (e.g., the laser 802-1 is configured to be turned off), and the laser 802-2 can be configured to generate a second light beam. The second light beam can propagate through the optical device 800 in a manner similar to that described herein with respect to the first light beam.

[0083] As mentioned above, Figure 8 Provided only as one or more examples. Other examples may be relevant to the reference Figure 8 Description is different.

[0084] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a top perspective view of an example optical device 900 described herein. Optical device 900 may include the same or similar components as optical devices 100, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, 650, 700, 750, and / or 800. Accordingly, certain components of optical device 900 may be configured in the same or similar manner as the same or similar components of optical devices 100, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, 650, 700, 750, and / or 800 as described herein.

[0085] like Figure 9 As shown, optical device 900 may include laser 802-1, laser 802-2, and MZI 904. Laser 802-1 may be configured to generate a first light beam having a first frequency and laser 802-2 may be configured to generate a second light beam having a second frequency (eg, simultaneously).

[0086] The MZI 904 may include a first coupler 818, an amplifier array 920, a second coupler 222, and / or the like. The amplifier array 920 may be similar to the amplifier array 120 and / or the amplifier array 320 described herein. The amplifier array 920 may include a plurality of SOAs 924 and a plurality of phase shifters 926. In some implementations, the amplifier array 920 may include a plurality of arms, wherein each arm is connected to a respective output of the first coupler 818 and a respective input of the second coupler 222. Each arm includes an SOA 924 and / or a phase shifter 926 (e.g., directly coupled together or indirectly coupled together via a waveguide). For example, Figure 9 As shown, amplifier array 920 includes two arms, wherein the first arm includes SOA 924-1 and phase shifter 926-1, and the second arm includes SOA 924-2 and phase shifter 926-2. SOA 924-1 may have an input connected to the first output of first coupler 818 and an output connected to the input of phase shifter 926-1. SOA 924-2 may have an input connected to the second output of first coupler 818 and an output connected to the input of phase shifter 926-2. Phase shifter 926-1 and phase shifter 926-2 may each have an output connected to a respective input of second coupler 222.

[0087] In some implementations, the length of each arm of amplifier array 920 can be unequal to the length of another arm of amplifier array 920, which can produce an interference effect that is periodic in optical frequency and can be characterized by the free spectral range (FSR) of MZI 904. In some implementations, lasers 802-1 and 802-1 can be configured to generate the first and second optical beams such that a difference between the first and second frequencies has a particular relationship to the FSR of MZI 904 (e.g., the difference can be 25% of the FSR, 50% of the FSR, 65% of the FSR, and / or the like).

[0088] As described herein, the second coupler 222 can include multiple outputs, with at least one output connected to the front output surface 108. In this manner, at least a portion of the first light beam and at least a portion of the second light beam can be emitted from the optical device 900 (e.g., as a two-color emission). Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the multiple outputs of the second coupler 222 can be connected to a monitor photodiode 228 (e.g., for use as part of a feedback control loop to minimize the amount of current associated with the monitor photodiode 228, thereby minimizing the amount of power of a beamlet propagating via the at least one output), as described herein with reference to FIG.

[0089] As mentioned above, Figure 9Provided only as one or more examples. Other examples may be relevant to the reference Figure 9 Description is different.

[0090] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations.

[0091] As used herein, the terms "input," "output," "connection," "arm," and / or the like are intended to be interpreted as structures providing an optical path, such as a waveguide (e.g., for a beam, beam portion, and / or the like).

[0092] As used herein, the term "component" is intended to be broadly interpreted as hardware, firmware, and / or a combination of hardware and software.

[0093] As used herein, depending on the context, meeting a threshold may refer to greater than a threshold, more than a threshold, above a threshold, greater than or equal to a threshold, less than a threshold, less than a threshold, below a threshold, less than or equal to a threshold, equal to a threshold, and / or the like.

[0094] Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various implementations. In fact, many of these features can be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of various implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

[0095] Unless explicitly stated, any element, behavior or instruction used herein should not be interpreted as critical or necessary. Moreover, as used herein, the articles "one" and "an" are intended to include one or more items and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". Furthermore, as used herein, the article "the" is intended to include one or more items cited in conjunction with the article "the" and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". Furthermore, as used herein, the term "set" is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination of related and unrelated items, etc.) and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". In the case of only one item being intended, the phrase "only one item" or similar language is used. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "has," "have," "having," and / or the like are intended to be open terms. Furthermore, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on," unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "or" when used in conjunction is intended to be inclusive and interchangeable with "and / or" unless expressly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in conjunction with "either" or "only one of").

Claims

1. A photonic integrated circuit, comprising: a first laser configured to generate a first light beam; wherein the first laser comprises a first front mirror component and a first rear mirror component; a second laser configured to generate a second light beam; wherein the second laser comprises a second front mirror component and a second rear mirror component; and A Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) configured to amplify a beam of the first light beam or the second light beam, wherein the MZI comprises a first coupler and a second coupler connected via a plurality of arms of the MZI, wherein one of the plurality of arms provides an optical path for a portion of the light beam and comprises: a semiconductor optical amplifier SOA configured to amplify the portion of the light beam; as well as a dedicated phase shifter configured to provide an adjustable refractive index shift and adjust the phase of the portion of the light beam, wherein the SOA and the dedicated phase shifter are directly coupled together within the arm or indirectly coupled together via a waveguide; wherein a first input of the first coupler is connected to an output of the first front mirror component, wherein a second input of the first coupler is connected to an output of the second front mirror component, wherein the output of the first coupler is connected to the input of the SOA; and wherein the first laser and the second laser are connected to a third coupler via the first back mirror component and the second back mirror component, The output of the third coupler is connected to a monitoring photodiode.

2. The photonic integrated circuit of claim 1 , wherein: The first coupler includes a plurality of outputs, wherein the plurality of outputs of the first coupler includes the output of the first coupler, wherein each of the plurality of outputs of the first coupler is connected to a corresponding arm of the plurality of arms of the MZI; and The second coupler includes a plurality of inputs and outputs, wherein each of the plurality of inputs of the second coupler is connected to a corresponding arm of the plurality of arms of the MZI, and The output of the second coupler is connected to an output surface of the photonic integrated circuit.

3. The photonic integrated circuit of claim 1 , wherein: The first coupler includes a plurality of outputs, wherein the plurality of outputs of the first coupler includes the output of the first coupler; and wherein each of the plurality of outputs of the first coupler is connected to a corresponding arm of the plurality of arms of the MZI; and the second coupler comprising a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, wherein each of the plurality of inputs of the second coupler is connected to a corresponding arm of the plurality of arms of the MZI, and wherein the plurality of outputs of the second coupler are connected to an output surface of the photonic integrated circuit.

4. The photonic integrated circuit of claim 1 , wherein: The second coupler includes a plurality of outputs, At least one of the plurality of outputs of the second coupler is connected to a monitoring photodiode.

5. The photonic integrated circuit of claim 1 , wherein: The second coupler includes a plurality of outputs, Each of the plurality of outputs of the second coupler is connected to a corresponding tapped photodiode.

6. The photonic integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the first laser and the MZI are connected via a series SOA, the series SOA being placed between the first front mirror component and the first coupler. 7 . The photonic integrated circuit of claim 1 , wherein the first coupler and the second coupler are multi-mode interferometer (MMI) couplers, star couplers, or directional couplers.

8. The photonic integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the first laser is a tunable laser or a frequency modulated laser, The first laser further includes a phase shifter component and a laser gain component.

9. A photonic integrated circuit comprising: two or more lasers; wherein the two or more lasers include a first laser and a second laser, and wherein the two or more lasers each include a front mirror assembly; as well as A Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) connected to the two or more lasers, the MZI comprising: a first coupler comprising at least two inputs and a plurality of outputs; A semiconductor optical amplifier SOA array comprises a plurality of arms, wherein each arm of the plurality of arms comprises an SOA and a dedicated phase shifter; wherein the dedicated phase shifter is configured to provide an adjustable refractive index shift and adjust the phase of the output beam, wherein the SOA and the dedicated phase shifter are directly coupled together within the arm or indirectly coupled together via a waveguide; and a second coupler comprising a plurality of inputs and at least one output, wherein said at least two inputs of said first coupler are connected to corresponding outputs of corresponding front mirror components, wherein each of the plurality of outputs of the first coupler is connected to an input of a corresponding SOA of the plurality of arms, and wherein the first laser and the second laser are connected to a third coupler via respective rear mirror components of the first laser and the second laser, The output of the third coupler is connected to a monitoring photodiode.

10. The photonic integrated circuit of claim 9, wherein: The first coupler is a 2×2 coupler and the second coupler is a 2×1 coupler; or The first coupler is a 2x2 coupler and the second coupler is a 2x2 coupler.

11. The photonic integrated circuit of claim 9, wherein the at least one output of the second coupler is connected to a tapped photodiode or a monitor photodiode.

12. The photonic integrated circuit of claim 9, wherein: The first laser is configured to generate a light beam associated with a first frequency; and the second laser being configured to generate a light beam associated with a second frequency, The difference between the first frequency and the second frequency is 50% of a free spectral range of the MZI.

13. The photonic integrated circuit of claim 9, wherein each arm of the plurality of arms of the SOA array is configured to have an arm length that is different from any other arm of the plurality of arms.

14. The photonic integrated circuit of claim 9, wherein the SOA and the dedicated phase shifter associated with one of the plurality of arms of the SOA array are directly connected together.

15. The photonic integrated circuit of claim 9, wherein: the first laser being configured to emit a first light beam, and the second laser being configured to be turned off when the monitoring photodiode does not detect a fault condition; or The second laser is configured to emit a second light beam, and the first laser is configured to be turned off when the monitoring photodiode detects the fault condition.

16. A photonic integrated circuit, comprising: A first laser is connected to a first coupler, wherein: The first laser includes a first front mirror component and a first rear mirror component, and a first input of the first coupler connected to an output of the first front mirror component; a second laser, connected to the first coupler, wherein: The second laser includes a second front mirror component and a second rear mirror component, and a second input of the first coupler connected to an output of the second front mirror component; The first coupler is connected to a semiconductor optical amplifier SOA array, wherein the SOA array includes a plurality of arms. wherein each arm of the plurality of arms comprises an SOA and a dedicated phase shifter; wherein the dedicated phase shifter is configured to provide an adjustable refractive index shift and adjust the phase of the output beam, wherein the SOA and the dedicated phase shifter are directly coupled together within the arm or indirectly coupled together via a waveguide; wherein each SOA comprises an input connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of outputs of the first coupler; a second coupler connected to the first coupler via the plurality of arms of the SOA array; and A third coupler, wherein: The first laser and the second laser are connected to a third coupler via the first rear mirror component and the second rear mirror component; and The output of the third coupler is connected to a monitoring photodiode.

17. The photonic integrated circuit of claim 16, wherein the first laser is connected to the first coupler via a series SOA, the first coupler being placed between the first front mirror component and the first coupler.

18. The photonic integrated circuit of claim 16, wherein a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) comprises the first coupler and the SOA array.

19. The photonic integrated circuit of claim 16, wherein the photonic integrated circuit is configured to shut down the first laser or the second laser based at least in part on an output of the monitoring photodiode, the output of the monitoring photodiode indicating a fault condition of the first laser or the second laser.

20. The photonic integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein the photonic integrated circuit is configured to shut down the first laser or the second laser based at least in part on an output of the monitoring photodiode, the output of the monitoring photodiode indicating a fault condition of the first laser or the second laser.

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