Laser module for optical data communication system

Abstract

To provide a laser module which has a minimal form factor and has been designed as efficiently as possible with regard to costs and energy consumption.SOLUTION: A laser module includes a laser source and a photoalignment module. The laser source generates and outputs a plurality of laser beams. The plurality of laser beams have mutually different wavelengths. The different wavelengths can be discriminated by an optical data communication system. The photoalignment module receives a plurality of laser beams from the laser source, and distributes one portion of each of the plurality of laser beams to a plurality of light output ports respectively of the photoalignment module. As a result thereof, all the different wavelengths of the plurality of laser beams are provided to the plurality of light output ports respectively of the photoalignment module. An optical amplification module can be included in order to amplify the laser beams outputted from the photoalignment module and to provide the amplified laser beams as output from the laser module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to optical data communications. [Background technology]

[0002] Optical data communication systems operate by modulating laser light to encode a digital data pattern. The modulated laser light is transmitted from a sending node to a receiving node through an optical data network. Upon reaching the receiving node, the modulated laser light is demodulated to obtain the original digital data pattern. The implementation and operation of optical data communication systems therefore depends on having a reliable and efficient laser light source. It is also desirable for the laser light source of an optical data communication system to have a minimal form factor and be designed as efficiently as possible in terms of cost and energy consumption. It is in this context that the present invention was born. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In an example embodiment, a laser module is disclosed. The laser module includes a laser source configured to generate and output a plurality of laser beams. The plurality of laser beams have different wavelengths relative to one another. The different wavelengths are distinguishable in an optical data communication system. The laser module also includes an optical alignment module configured to receive the plurality of laser beams from the laser source and distribute a portion of each of the plurality of laser beams to each of a plurality of optical output ports of the optical alignment module, such that all of the different wavelengths of the plurality of laser beams are provided to each of the plurality of optical output ports of the optical alignment module. In some embodiments, the laser module can include an optical amplification module configured to amplify the laser light received from each of the plurality of optical output ports of the optical alignment module. The optical amplification module is configured to provide amplified laser light for each of the plurality of optical output ports of the optical alignment module to a corresponding plurality of optical output ports of the optical amplification module.

[0004] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a structural diagram of a laser module according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0006] [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a laser module with an optical waveguide present, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0007] [Figure 1C] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a laser module in the absence of an optical waveguide according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0008] [Figure 1D] 1D shows a side view of the laser module configuration of FIG. 1C, where the cavity between the laser source and the optical alignment module is covered and / or sealed by a member, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0009] [Figure 1E] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a laser module in which no optical waveguide is present and the laser source and optical alignment module are arranged side-by-side in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0010] [Figure 1F] FIG. 13 shows a side view of a laser module in which no optical waveguide is present and the laser source and optical alignment module are vertically stacked and positioned in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0011] [Figure 1G]FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of the laser module configuration of FIG. 1F, in which the optical alignment module is configured to extend across the laser source, thereby providing physical support for positioning the laser source inside the laser module, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] [Figure 2A] 1 shows a structural diagram of a laser module according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] [Figure 2B] 1 illustrates a side view of a PLC, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] [Figure 3A] 1 shows a structural diagram of a laser module including a laser source, an optical alignment module, and an optical amplification module according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates a side view of a laser module with one optical waveguide present and another optical waveguide present according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] [Figure 3C] 1 illustrates a side view of a laser module with one optical waveguide present and the other optical waveguide absent, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] [Figure 3D] 3D illustrates a side view of the laser module configuration of FIG. 3C, where the cavity between the optical alignment module and the optical amplification module is covered and / or sealed by a member, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] [Figure 3E] 1 shows a side view of a laser module in which one optical waveguide is present and the other optical waveguide is absent, and an optical alignment module and an optical amplification module are arranged side-by-side in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] [Figure 3F] 1 shows a side view of a laser module in which no optical waveguide is present and the optical alignment module and the optical amplification module are vertically stacked and placed in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] [Figure 3G] FIG. 3F shows a side view of the laser module configuration in which, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the optical amplification module is configured to extend across the optical alignment module, optical waveguide, and laser source, thereby providing physical support for positioning the optical alignment module, optical waveguide, and laser source, respectively, within the laser module.

[0021] [Figure 3H] FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module configuration of FIG. 3B in which the optical waveguide is absent, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] [Figure 3I] FIG. 3D illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module configuration of FIG. 3C in which no optical waveguide is present, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] [Figure 3J] FIG. 3F illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module configuration of FIG. 3E in which no optical waveguide is present, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] [Figure 3K] FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module configuration of FIG. 3F in which no optical waveguide is present, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] [Figure 3L] FIG. 3G shows a side view of a modification of the laser module configuration of FIG. 3G in which no optical waveguide is present, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] [Figure 3M] FIG. 3C shows a side view of a modification of the laser module configuration of FIG. 3B, in which the laser source and the optical alignment module are arranged side-by-side and in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] [Figure 3N] FIG. 3D shows a side view of a modification of the laser module configuration of FIG. 3C, in which the laser source and the optical alignment module are positioned side-by-side and in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] [Figure 3O] FIG. 3E shows a side view of a modification of the laser module configuration of FIG. 3E, in which the laser source and the optical alignment module are positioned side-by-side and in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] [Figure 3P] FIG. 3C shows a side view of a modification of the laser module configuration of FIG. 3F, in which the laser source and the light alignment module are positioned side-by-side and in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] [Figure 3Q] FIG. 3G shows a side view of a modification of the laser module configuration of FIG. 3G, in which the laser source and the optical alignment module are positioned side-by-side and in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] [Figure 3R] FIG. 3C shows a side view of a modification of the laser module configuration of FIG. 3B, in which the laser source and the light alignment module are vertically overlapping and positioned in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] [Figure 3S] FIG. 3R shows a side view of a modification of the laser module configuration of FIG. 3R, in which the optical alignment module is configured to extend across the laser source, optical waveguide, and optical amplification module, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] [Figure 3T] FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module configuration of FIG. 3R in which no optical waveguide is present, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] [Figure 3U] FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module configuration of FIG. 3S in which no optical waveguide is present, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] [Figure 3V] FIG. 3C shows a side view of a modification of the laser module configuration of FIG. 3T in which no optical waveguide is present and the optical alignment module and the optical amplification module are positioned side-by-side in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] [Figure 3W] FIG. 3C shows a side view of a modification of the laser module configuration of FIG. 3S in which no optical waveguide is present and the optical alignment module and the optical amplification module are positioned side-by-side in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] [Figure 3X] FIG. 3C shows a side view of a modification of the laser module configuration of FIG. 3R in which no optical waveguide is present and the optical alignment module and the optical amplification module are vertically overlapping and positioned in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] [Figure 3Y] FIG. 3X shows a side view of a modification of the laser module configuration of FIG. 3X, in which the optical alignment module is configured to extend across the laser source and optical amplifier module, thereby providing physical support for positioning the laser source and optical amplifier module, respectively, within the laser module, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] [Figure 4A] 1 shows a structural diagram of a laser module according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] [Figure 4B] 4B illustrates a side view of the laser module configuration of FIG. 4A according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of the laser module configuration of FIG. 4B without the optical waveguide present, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] [Figure 4D] 4D illustrates a side view of the laser module configuration of FIG. 4C, where the cavity between the PLC and the optical amplifier module is covered and / or sealed with a member, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] [Figure 4E] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a laser module in which no optical waveguide is present and a PLC and an optical amplifier module are arranged side-by-side in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] [Figure 5A] 1 shows a structural diagram of a laser module in which a light alignment module and an amplification module are packaged together inside the same PLC according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] [Figure 5B] 5B illustrates a side view of the laser module configuration of FIG. 5A according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of the laser module configuration of FIG. 5B without the optical waveguide present, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D illustrates a side view of the laser module configuration of FIG. 5C, where the cavity between the laser source and the PLC is covered and / or sealed by a member, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] [Figure 5E] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a laser module in which no optical waveguide is present and the laser source and the PLC are arranged side-by-side in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] [Figure 6A] 1 shows a structural diagram of a laser module in which a laser source, a light alignment module, and an amplification module are packaged together inside the same PLC according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] [Figure 6B] 6B illustrates a side view of the laser module configuration of FIG. 6A according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an example implementation of an optical alignment module including an N×1 (phase-maintaining) wavelength multiplexer and a 1×M (phase-maintaining) broadband power splitter, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] [Figure 8] 1 illustrates an example implementation of an optical alignment module including an arrayed waveguide and a broadband power splitter, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0053] [Figure 9] 1 illustrates an example implementation of an optical alignment module including an echelle grating and a broadband power splitter, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0054] [Figure 10] 1 illustrates an example implementation of an optical alignment module including a butterfly waveguide network according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0055] [Figure 11] 1 illustrates an example implementation of an optical alignment module including a star coupler, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0056] [Figure 12A] 1 illustrates an example implementation of an optical alignment module including a resonator ring array, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0057] [Figure 12B] FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of a resonator ring array according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0058] [Figure 13] 1 illustrates an example implementation of a laser module on a PLC where the alignment module is implemented to include an arrayed waveguide and a broadband power splitter, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0059] [Figure 14] 1 illustrates an example implementation of a laser module on a PLC where the alignment module is implemented to include an echelle grating and a broadband power splitter, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0060] [Figure 15] 1 illustrates an example implementation of a laser module on a PLC where the alignment module is implemented to include a butterfly waveguide network, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0061] [Figure 16] 1 illustrates an example implementation of a laser module on a PLC where the alignment module is implemented to include a star coupler, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0062] [Figure 17] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a laser module according to some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0063] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known process operations have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0064] Various embodiments of laser modules and related methods are disclosed herein. The laser modules are designed and configured to provide laser light having one or more wavelengths. It is to be understood that the term "wavelength" as used herein refers to the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, the term "light" as used herein refers to electromagnetic radiation within a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be used by optical data communication systems. In some embodiments, the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum includes light having wavelengths within a range extending from about 1100 nanometers to about 1565 nanometers (inclusively including the range from the O-band to the C-band of electromagnetic radiation). However, it is to be understood that the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum as referred to herein can include light having wavelengths less than 1100 nanometers or greater than 1565 nanometers, so long as the light can be used by optical data communication systems for encoding, transmitting, and decoding digital data through optical modulation / demodulation. In some embodiments, the light used in optical data communication systems has a wavelength within the near infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Additionally, the term "laser beam" as used herein refers to a light beam generated by a laser device. It should be understood that the laser beam may be configured to propagate in an optical waveguide, such as, but not limited to, an optical fiber, or an optical waveguide inside a planar lightwave circuit (PLC). In some embodiments, the laser beam is polarized. Additionally, in some embodiments, the light of a given laser beam has a single wavelength, where single wavelength can refer to essentially one wavelength, or to a narrow band of wavelengths that an optical data communication system can identify and process as if it were a single wavelength.

[0065] FIG. 1A shows a structural diagram of a laser module 100A according to some embodiments of the present invention. The laser module 100A includes a laser source 102 and an optical alignment module 107. The laser source 102 is configured to generate and output a plurality of laser beams, i.e., (N) laser beams. The plurality of laser beams have different wavelengths (λ1 to λ2) relative to each other that can be distinguished in an optical data communication system. N In some embodiments, the laser source 102 includes a plurality of lasers 103-1 to 103-N for generating a plurality (N) of laser beams, respectively, where each laser 103-1 to 103-N has a different wavelength (λ1 to λ N ) each of the plurality of lasers 103-1 through 103-N. Each laser beam generated by the plurality of lasers 103-1 through 103-N is provided to a corresponding optical output port 104-1 through 104-N of the laser source 102 for transmission from the laser source 102. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of lasers 103-1 through 103-N has a different wavelength (λ1 through λ2). N ), in which the laser source 102 is a distributed feedback laser configured to generate laser light at a particular wavelength among the wavelengths of the . In some embodiments, the laser source 102 may be defined as a separate component, such as a separate chip. However, in some embodiments, the laser source 102 may be integrated within a planar lightwave circuit (PLC), on a chip that includes other components in addition to the laser source 102.

[0066] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1A, the laser source 102 is defined as a separate component attached to a substrate 110, such as an electronics mounting board. In various embodiments, the substrate 110 can be an organic substrate, or a ceramic substrate, or essentially any type of substrate capable of carrying electronic devices, and / or optoelectronic devices, and / or optical waveguides, and / or one or more optical fibers / one or more fiber ribbons. For example, in some embodiments, the substrate 110 can be an indium phosphide (III-V) substrate. Or, in another embodiment, the substrate 110 can be an Al2O3 substrate. It should be appreciated that in various embodiments, the laser source 102 can be attached / mounted to the substrate 110 using essentially any known electronic mounting process, such as flip-chip bonding, which may optionally include a ball grid array (BGA), bump, solder, underfill, and / or other component treatment between the laser source 102 and the substrate 110, and may include a bonding technique, such as mass reflow, thermal-compression bonding (TCB), or essentially any other suitable bonding technique.

[0067] The optical alignment module 107 receives light of different wavelengths (λ1 to λ2) from the laser source 102 at a plurality of corresponding optical input ports 108-1 to 108-N of the optical alignment module 107. N ) of the multiple laser beams. Optical alignment module 107 is also configured to distribute a portion of each of the multiple laser beams to each of multiple optical output ports 109-1 through 109-M of optical alignment module 107, where (M) is the number of optical output ports of optical alignment module 107. Optical alignment module 107 is configured to distribute a portion of each of the multiple laser beams to each of multiple optical output ports 109-1 through 109-M of optical alignment module 107, where (M) is the number of optical output ports of optical alignment module 107. N1A, the optical alignment module 107 operates to distribute the multiple laser beams such that all of the different wavelengths (λ1 through λ2) of the multiple laser beams are provided to each of the multiple optical output ports 109-1 through 109-M of the optical alignment module 107. Thus, the optical alignment module 107 operates to distribute the different wavelengths (λ1 through λ2) of the multiple laser beams to each one of the optical output ports 109-1 through 109-M of the optical alignment module 107, as shown in FIG. N It should be appreciated that, for laser module 100A, each one of optical output ports 109-1 through 109-M of optical alignment module 107 provides a corresponding one of the plurality of multi-wavelength laser outputs MWL-1 through MWL-M.

[0068] In some embodiments, the optical alignment module 107 is configured to maintain the polarization of each of the multiple laser beams between the multiple optical input ports 108-1 through 108-N of the optical alignment module 107 and the multiple optical output ports 109-1 through 109-M of the optical alignment module 107. Also, in some embodiments, the optical alignment module 107 is configured such that each of the multiple optical output ports 109-1 through 109-M of the optical alignment module 107 receives a similar amount of optical power, within a factor of 5, of any given one of the multiple laser beams. In other words, in some embodiments, the amount of light of a given wavelength, i.e., the different wavelengths (λ1 through λ2) that the optical alignment module 107 provides to a particular one of the optical output ports 109-1 through 109-M, is adjusted to maintain the polarization of each of the multiple laser beams. N) is the same within a factor of 5 relative to the amount of light of a given wavelength provided by the optical alignment module 107 to the other ports of the optical output ports 109-1-109-M. It should be understood that the factor of 5 mentioned above is an example embodiment. In other embodiments, the factor of 5 mentioned above can be changed to another factor such as 2, 3, 4, or 6, or any other factor therebetween, less than, or greater than. The key point to understand is that the optical alignment module 107 can be configured to control the amount of light of a given wavelength provided to each of the optical output ports 109-1-109-M of the optical alignment module 107, and further, the optical alignment module 107 can be configured to control the uniformity of the amount of light of a given wavelength provided to each of the optical output ports 109-1-109-M of the optical alignment module 107.

[0069] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1A, the optical alignment module 107 is defined as a separate component attached to the substrate 110. Thus, it should be understood that in the exemplary embodiment of the laser module 100A, the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107 are physically separate components. It should be understood that in various embodiments, the optical alignment module 107 can be attached / mounted to the substrate 110 using essentially any known electronic component mounting process. Also, in some embodiments, the optical alignment module 107 can be configured as a non-electrical component, i.e., a passive component, and attached / mounted to the substrate 110 using techniques that do not involve establishing an electrical connection between the optical alignment module 107 and the substrate 110, such as by using an epoxy or other type of adhesive material. In some embodiments, rather than being defined as a separate component, the optical alignment module 107 can be integrated inside a PLC on a chip that includes other components in addition to the optical alignment module 107. In some embodiments, both the optical alignment module 107 and the laser source 102 are packaged together inside the same PLC.

[0070] The laser source 102 is aligned with the optical alignment module 107 to direct a plurality of laser beams transmitted from the optical outputs 104-1-104-N of the laser source 102 into a respective one of the optical input ports 108-1-108-N of the optical alignment module 107. In some embodiments, the optical alignment module 107 is positioned at a distance from the laser source 102. In some embodiments, the optical alignment module 107 is positioned in contact with the laser source 102. Additionally, in some embodiments, a portion of the optical alignment module 107 is positioned to overlap a portion of the laser source 102. In the exemplary embodiment of the laser module 100A shown in FIG. 1A, the optical alignment module 107 is positioned at a distance from the laser source 102, and the optical waveguide 105 is positioned between the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107. Optical waveguide 105 is configured to direct a plurality of laser beams from laser source 102 into respective ones of a plurality of optical input ports 108-1 through 108-N of optical alignment module 107, as indicated by lines 106-1 through 106-N.

[0071] In various embodiments, the optical waveguide 105 can be formed from essentially any material capable of directing light from an inlet location on the optical waveguide 105 to an outlet location on the optical waveguide 105. For example, in various embodiments, the optical waveguide 105 can be formed from glass, SiN, SiO2, germanium oxide, and / or silica, among other materials. In some embodiments, the optical waveguide 105 is configured to maintain the polarization of multiple laser beams between the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107. In some embodiments, the optical waveguide 105 includes (N) light-carrying channels, where each light-carrying channel extends from a respective one of the optical output ports 104-1 through 104-N of the laser source 102 to a respective one of the optical input ports 108-1 through 108-N of the optical alignment module 107. In some embodiments, each of the (N) light-carrying channels of the optical waveguide 105 has a substantially rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the propagation direction of the laser beam, i.e., in a plane perpendicular to the x-direction as shown in FIG. 1A, which helps to maintain the polarization of the laser beam as it propagates from the laser source 102 to the optical alignment module 107.

[0072] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1A, the optical waveguide 105 is defined as a separate component attached to the substrate 110. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment of the laser module 100A, it should be understood that the laser source 102, the optical waveguide 105, and the optical alignment module 107 are physically separate components. It should be understood that in various embodiments, the optical waveguide 105 can be attached / mounted to the substrate 110 using essentially any known electronic packaging process. Also, in some embodiments, the optical waveguide 105 can be configured as a non-electrical component, i.e., a passive component, and attached / mounted to the substrate 110 using techniques that do not involve establishing an electrical connection between the optical waveguide 105 and the substrate 110, such as by using an epoxy or other type of adhesive material. In some embodiments, rather than being defined as a separate component, the optical waveguide 105 can be integrated inside the PLC on a chip that includes other components in addition to the optical waveguide 105. In some embodiments, the laser source 102, the optical waveguide 105, and the optical alignment module 107 are packaged together within the same PLC.

[0073] In some embodiments, the laser module 100A includes a heat spreader component arranged proximate to the laser source 102. The heat spreader component dissipates the thermal power of the plurality of lasers 103-1-103-N to substantially uniform temperature dependent wavelength drift among the plurality of lasers 103-1-103-N. In some embodiments, the heat spreader component is included within the laser source 102. In some embodiments, the heat spreader component is included within the substrate 110. In some embodiments, the heat spreader component is defined separately from each of the laser source 102, the optical alignment module 107, and the substrate 110. In some embodiments, the heat spreader component is included within the optical alignment module 107, and a heat spreader component portion of the optical alignment module 107 physically overlies the laser source 102. In some embodiments, the heat spreader component is included within the optical waveguide 105, and a heat spreader component portion of the optical waveguide 105 physically overlies the laser source 102. In various embodiments, the heat spreader component is formed from a thermally conductive material, such as, by way of example, a metallic material. In some embodiments, the heat spreader component can incorporate elements configured to actively move heat away from the plurality of lasers 103-1-103-N, such as, by way of example, a thermoelectric cooler. Additionally, in some embodiments, the heat spreader component is formed to have a mass large enough to act as a heat sink for heat emanating from the plurality of lasers 103-1-103-N of the laser source 102.

[0074] 1B shows a side view of laser module 100A with optical waveguide 105 present, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 1B, laser source 102 and optical alignment module 107 are positioned to be substantially coplanar on substrate 110 such that optical output ports 104-1 to 104-N of laser source 102 are horizontally aligned with optical input ports 108-1 to 108-N, respectively, of optical alignment module 107, such that no redirection of the laser beam is required at optical output ports 104-1 to 104-N of laser source 102 or optical input ports 108-1 to 108-N of optical alignment module 107.

[0075] 1C shows a side view of laser module 100A without optical waveguide 105, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 1C, laser source 102 and optical alignment module 107 are positioned substantially flush on substrate 110 such that optical output ports 104-1-104-N of laser source 102 are horizontally aligned with optical input ports 108-1-108-N of optical alignment module 107, respectively, so that no redirection of the laser beam is required at optical output ports 104-1-104-N of laser source 102 or optical input ports 108-1-108-N of optical alignment module 107. In the embodiment of FIG. 1C, there is a void between optical output ports 104-1-104-N of laser source 102 and optical input ports 108-1-108-N of optical alignment module 107. Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 1C, the laser beams output from laser source 102 travel along respective linear paths through the space between laser source 102 and optical alignment module 107 .

[0076] 1D shows a side view of the laser module 100A configuration of FIG. 1C where the cavity between the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107 is covered and / or sealed by a member 111. In various embodiments, the member 111 can be a separate chip placed during packaging, or can be a separate material placed during packaging, or can be an integral part of the laser source 102, or can be an integral part of the optical alignment module 107.

[0077] 1E shows a side view of a laser module 100A in which the optical waveguide 105 is absent and the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107 are arranged side-by-side in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the exemplary laser module 100A configuration of FIG. 1E, the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107 are positioned to be substantially coplanar on the substrate 110 such that the optical output ports 104-1 to 104-N of the laser source 102 are horizontally aligned with the optical input ports 108-1 to 108-N of the optical alignment module 107, respectively, so that no redirection of the laser beam is required at the optical output ports 104-1 to 104-N of the laser source 102 or the optical input ports 108-1 to 108-N of the optical alignment module 107.

[0078] 1F illustrates a side view of a laser module 100A in which the optical waveguide 105 is absent and the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107 are arranged in vertical overlapping and contacting relationship, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the exemplary laser module 100A configuration of FIG. 1F, the substrate 110 is configured to support both the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107. In the exemplary laser module 100A configuration of FIG. 1F, the optical output ports 104-1 to 104-N of the laser source 102 are vertically aligned with the optical input ports 108-1 to 108-N of the optical alignment module 107, respectively, resulting in redirection of the laser beam at both the optical output ports 104-1 to 104-N of the laser source 102 and the optical input ports 108-1 to 108-N of the optical alignment module 107. 1G shows a side view of the laser module 100A configuration of FIG. 1F in which the optical alignment module 107 is configured to extend across the laser source 102, thereby providing physical support for placing the laser source 102 within the laser module 100A. In the example laser module 100A configuration of FIG. 1G, the substrate 110 may be omitted if the optical alignment module 107 is formed to have sufficient mechanical strength to physically support itself and the laser source 102.

[0079] FIG. 2A shows a structural diagram of a laser module 100B according to some embodiments of the present invention. The laser module 100B includes a laser source 102A and an optical alignment module 107A mounted inside the same PLC 200. The laser source 102A is configured to function in substantially the same manner as the laser source 102 described above with respect to the laser module 100A. The optical alignment module 107A is configured to function in essentially the same manner as the optical alignment module 107 described above with respect to the laser module 100A. FIG. 2B shows a side view of a PLC 200 according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the PLC 200, the laser source 102A and the optical alignment module 107A are mounted integrally with each other such that the laser beams 201-1-201-N generated by the multiple lasers 103-1-103-N are guided into the optical alignment module 107A without the need to travel through the optical output port and the optical input port, respectively. Additionally, in PLC 200, a separate optical waveguide 105 is not required due to the optical integration of laser source 102A and optical alignment module 107A.

[0080] In some embodiments, the laser source 102 may provide laser light of sufficient power at different wavelengths (λ1 to λ2) such that multi-wavelength laser outputs MWL-1 to MWL-M are output from the optical alignment module 107 / 107A with sufficient power for use in optical data communications. N ) in the laser source 102. However, in some embodiments, due to limited output power of the laser source 102 and / or due to optical losses in the optical waveguide 105 and / or the optical alignment module 107, the multi-wavelength laser outputs MWL-1 to MWL-M are not output from the optical alignment module 107 / 107A with sufficient power for use in optical data communications. Thus, in some embodiments, the multi-wavelength laser outputs MWL-1 to MWL-M output from the optical alignment module 107 / 107A must be optionally optically amplified before being used in optical data communications. An optical amplifier can be used to optionally amplify each of the multi-wavelength laser outputs MWL-1 to MWL-M. In various embodiments, the optical amplifier can be implemented directly inside the laser module.

[0081] 3A shows a structural diagram of a laser module 100C including a laser source 102, an optical alignment module 107, and an optical amplification module 303 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The laser source 102 is configured in the same manner as described above with respect to the laser module 100A. Also, the optical alignment module 107 is configured in the same manner as described above with respect to the laser module 100A. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the laser module 100C can include an optical waveguide 105 positioned between the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107, where the optical waveguide 105 is configured in the same manner as described above with respect to the laser module 100A.

[0082] The optical amplification module 303 is configured to receive the multiple multi-wavelength laser outputs MWL-1 to MWL-M from the multiple optical output ports 109-1 to 109-M of the optical alignment module 107 at a corresponding multiple optical input ports 304-1 to 304-M of the optical amplification module 303. The optical amplification module 303 includes multiple optical amplifiers 305-1 to 305-M for respectively amplifying the multiple multi-wavelength laser outputs MWL-1 to MWL-M received at the multiple optical input ports 304-1 to 304-M of the optical amplification module 303. In various embodiments, the multiple optical amplifiers 305-1 to 305-M may be defined as one or more of a semiconductor optical amplifier, an erbium / ytterbium doped fiber amplifier, a Raman amplifier, among others. The optical amplifiers 305-1 to 305-M are configured and optically connected to provide amplified versions AMWL-1 to AMWL-M of the multiple multi-wavelength laser outputs to a respective one of the multiple optical output ports 306-1 to 306-M of the optical amplifier module 303. In this manner, for the laser module 100C, each one of the optical output ports 306-1 to 306-M of the optical amplifier module 303 provides a corresponding one of the multiple amplified multi-wavelength laser outputs AMWL-1 to AMWL-M. In some embodiments, the optical amplifier module 303 is configured to maintain a polarization of each of the multiple laser beams between the multiple optical input ports 304-1 to 304-M of the optical amplifier module 303 and the multiple optical output ports 306-1 to 306-M of the optical amplifier module 303.

[0083] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3A, the optical amplifier module 303 is defined as a separate component attached to the substrate 110. It should therefore be understood that in the exemplary embodiment of the laser module 100C, the laser source 102, the optical alignment module 107, and the optical amplifier module 303 are physically separate components. It should be understood that in various embodiments, the optical amplifier module 303 can be attached / mounted to the substrate 110 using essentially any known electronic component mounting process, such as flip-chip bonding, which may optionally include a ball grid array (BGA), bump, solder, underfill, and / or other component treatment between the optical amplifier module 303 and the substrate 110, and may include a bonding technique, such as mass reflow, thermocompression bonding (TCB), or essentially any other suitable bonding technique.

[0084] The optical alignment module 107 is aligned with the optical amplification module 303 to direct the multi-wavelength laser outputs MWL-1 through MWL-M into a respective one of the optical input ports 304-1 through 304-M of the optical amplification module 303. In some embodiments, the optical amplification module 303 is positioned spaced apart from the optical alignment module 107. In some embodiments, the optical amplification module 303 is positioned in contact with the optical alignment module 107. Additionally, in some embodiments, a portion of the optical amplification module 303 is positioned to overlap a portion of the optical alignment module 107 and / or a portion of the laser source 102. In the exemplary embodiment of the laser module 100C shown in FIG. 3A, the optical amplification module 303 is positioned spaced apart from the optical alignment module 107, and the optical waveguide 301 is positioned between the optical alignment module 107 and the optical amplification module 303. Optical waveguide 301 is configured to guide a plurality of multi-wavelength laser outputs MWL- 1 to MWL-M from optical alignment module 107 into a respective one of a plurality of optical input ports 304 - 1 to 304 -M of optical amplification module 303 .

[0085] In various embodiments, the optical waveguide 301 can be formed from essentially any material capable of directing light from an inlet location on the optical waveguide 301 to an outlet location on the optical waveguide 301. For example, in various embodiments, the optical waveguide 301 can be formed from glass, SiN, SiO2, germanium oxide, and / or silica, among other materials. In some embodiments, the optical waveguide 301 is configured to maintain the polarization of the multiple multi-wavelength laser outputs MWL-1 to MWL-M between the optical alignment module 107 and the optical amplification module 303. In some embodiments, the optical waveguide 301 includes (M) light-carrying channels, where each light-carrying channel extends from a respective one of the optical output ports 109-1 to 109-M of the optical alignment module 107 to a respective one of the optical input ports 304-1 to 304-M of the optical amplification module 303. In some embodiments, each of the (M) light-carrying channels of the optical waveguide 301 has a substantially rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the propagation direction of the multi-wavelength laser output, i.e., in a plane perpendicular to the x-direction as shown in FIG. 3A, which helps to maintain the polarization of the multi-wavelength laser output as it propagates from the optical alignment module 107 to the optical amplification module 303.

[0086] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3A, the optical waveguide 301 is defined as a separate component attached to the substrate 110. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment of the laser module 100C, it should be understood that the laser source 102, the optical waveguide 105, the optical alignment module 107, the optical waveguide 301, and the optical amplification module 303 are physically separate components. It should be understood that in various embodiments, the optical waveguide 301 can be attached / mounted to the substrate 110 using essentially any known electronic component mounting process. Also, in some embodiments, the optical waveguide 301 can be configured as a non-electrical component, i.e., a passive component, and attached / mounted to the substrate 110 using techniques that do not involve establishing an electrical connection between the optical waveguide 301 and the substrate 110, such as by using an epoxy or other type of adhesive material. In some embodiments, rather than being defined as a separate component, the optical waveguide 301 can be integrated inside the PLC on a chip that includes other components in addition to the optical waveguide 301. In some embodiments, two or more of the laser source 102, the optical waveguide 105, the optical alignment module 107, the optical waveguide 301, and the optical amplification module 303 are packaged together within the same PLC.

[0087] 3B shows a side view of laser module 100C with optical waveguide 105 and with optical waveguide 301, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, laser source 102, optical alignment module 107, and optical amplifier module 303 are arranged substantially coplanar on substrate 110 such that optical output ports 104-1 to 104-N of laser source 102 are horizontally aligned with optical input ports 108-1 to 108-N of optical alignment module 107, respectively, and such that optical output ports 109-1 to 109-M of optical alignment module 107 are horizontally aligned with optical input ports 304-1 to 304-M of optical amplifier module 303, respectively. In this manner, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3B, no redirection of the laser beam is required at the optical output ports 104-1 to 104-N of the laser source 102 or the optical input ports 108-1 to 108-N of the optical alignment module 107, or at the optical output ports 109-1 to 109-M of the optical alignment module 107 or the optical input ports 304-1 to 304-M of the optical amplification module 303.

[0088] 3C illustrates a side view of laser module 100C with optical waveguide 105 present and without optical waveguide 301, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 3C, laser source 102, optical alignment module 107, and optical amplifier module 303 are positioned substantially coplanar on substrate 110 such that optical output ports 104-1 to 104-N of laser source 102 are horizontally aligned with optical input ports 108-1 to 108-N of optical alignment module 107, respectively, and such that optical output ports 109-1 to 109-M of optical alignment module 107 are horizontally aligned with optical input ports 304-1 to 304-M of optical amplifier module 303, respectively. In this manner, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3C, no redirection of the laser beam is required at the optical output ports 104-1 to 104-N of the laser source 102 or the optical input ports 108-1 to 108-N of the optical alignment module 107, or at the optical output ports 109-1 to 109-M of the optical alignment module 107 or the optical input ports 304-1 to 304-M of the optical amplification module 303. In the embodiment of FIG. 3C, a void exists between the optical output ports 109-1 to 109-M of the optical alignment module 107 and the optical input ports 304-1 to 304-M of the optical amplification module 303. Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 3C, the multi-wavelength laser outputs MWL-1 to MWL-M travel along respective linear paths through the void between the optical alignment module 107 and the optical amplification module 303. 3D illustrates a side view of the laser module 100C configuration of FIG. 3C where the cavity between the optical alignment module 107 and the optical amplification module 303 is covered and / or sealed by member 307, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In various embodiments, member 307 can be a separate chip placed during packaging, or can be a separate material placed during packaging, or can be an integral part of the laser source 102, or can be an integral part of the optical alignment module 107, or can be an integral part of the optical waveguide 105, or can be an integral part of the optical amplification module 303.

[0089] 3E illustrates a side view of laser module 100C with optical waveguide 105 and without optical waveguide 301, and with optical alignment module 107 and optical amplifier module 303 arranged side-by-side in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the exemplary laser module 100C configuration of FIG. 3E, optical alignment module 107 and optical amplifier module 303 are positioned substantially flush on substrate 110 such that optical output ports 109-1-109-M of optical alignment module 107 are horizontally aligned with optical input ports 304-1-304-M of optical amplifier module 303, respectively, such that no redirection of the laser beam is required at optical output ports 109-1-109-M of optical alignment module 107 or optical input ports 304-1-304-M of optical amplifier module 303.

[0090] 3F illustrates a side view of laser module 100C in which optical waveguide 301 is absent and optical alignment module 107 and optical amplifier module 303 are arranged in vertical overlapping and contacting relationship in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In the exemplary laser module 100C configuration of FIG. 3F, substrate 110 is configured to support each of laser source 102, optical waveguide 105, optical alignment module 107, and optical amplifier module 303. In the exemplary laser module 100C configuration of FIG. 3F, optical output ports 109-1 to 109-M of optical alignment module 107 are vertically aligned with optical input ports 304-1 to 304-M of optical amplifier module 303, respectively, resulting in redirection of laser beams at both optical output ports 109-1 to 109-M of optical alignment module 107 and optical input ports 304-1 to 304-M of optical amplifier module 303.

[0091] 3G illustrates a side view of the laser module 100C configuration of FIG. 3F in which the optical amplification module 303 is configured to extend across the optical alignment module 107, the optical waveguide 105, and the laser source 102, such that the optical amplification module 303 provides a physical support for positioning each of the optical alignment module 107, the optical waveguide 105, and the laser source 102 within the laser module 100C, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the exemplary laser module 100C configuration of FIG. 3G, the substrate 110 may be omitted if the optical amplification module 303 is formed to have sufficient mechanical strength to physically support itself, as well as each of the optical alignment module 107, the optical waveguide 105, and the laser source 102.

[0092] Figure 3H illustrates, according to some embodiments of the present invention, a side view of a modification of the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3B without the presence of the optical waveguide 105. As such, the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3H represents the laser module 100C of Figure 3B modified to have the features discussed above with respect to the laser module 100A of Figure 1C in relation to the absence of the optical waveguide 105.

[0093] Figure 3I illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3C in the absence of the optical waveguide 105, according to some embodiments of the present invention. As such, the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3I represents the laser module 100C of Figure 3C modified to have the features discussed above with respect to the laser module 100A of Figure 1C in relation to the absence of the optical waveguide 105.

[0094] Figure 3J illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3E in the absence of the optical waveguide 105, according to some embodiments of the present invention. As such, the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3J represents the laser module 100C of Figure 3E modified to have the features discussed above with respect to the laser module 100A of Figure 1C in relation to the absence of the optical waveguide 105.

[0095] Figure 3K illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3F in the absence of the optical waveguide 105, according to some embodiments of the present invention. As such, the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3K represents the laser module 100C of Figure 3F modified to have the features discussed above with respect to the laser module 100A of Figure 1C in relation to the absence of the optical waveguide 105.

[0096] Figure 3L illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3G in the absence of the optical waveguide 105, according to some embodiments of the present invention. As such, the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3L represents the laser module 100C of Figure 3G modified to have the features discussed above with respect to the laser module 100A of Figure 1C in relation to the absence of the optical waveguide 105.

[0097] Figure 3M illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3B in which the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107 are positioned side-by-side in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In this manner, the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3M represents the laser module 100C of Figure 3B modified to have the features discussed above with respect to the laser module 100A of Figure 1E in relation to positioning the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107 in side-by-side contact.

[0098] Figure 3N illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3C in which the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107 are positioned side-by-side in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In this manner, the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3N represents the laser module 100C of Figure 3C modified to have the features discussed above with respect to the laser module 100A of Figure IE relating to positioning the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107 in side-by-side contact.

[0099] Figure 3O illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3E in which the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107 are positioned side-by-side in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In this manner, the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3O represents the laser module 100C of Figure 3E modified to have the features discussed above with respect to the laser module 100A of Figure IE relating to positioning the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107 in side-by-side contact.

[0100] Figure 3P illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3F in which the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107 are positioned side-by-side in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In this manner, the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3P represents the laser module 100C of Figure 3F modified to have the features discussed above with respect to the laser module 100A of Figure 1E related to positioning the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107 in side-by-side contact.

[0101] Figure 3Q illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3G in which the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107 are positioned side-by-side in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In this manner, the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3Q represents the laser module 100C of Figure 3G modified to have the features discussed above with respect to the laser module 100A of Figure IE relating to positioning the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107 in side-by-side contact.

[0102] Figure 3R illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3B in which the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107 are positioned in vertically overlapping and contacting relationship, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In this manner, the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3R represents the laser module 100C of Figure 3B modified to have the features discussed above with respect to the laser module 100A of Figure 1F related to positioning the laser source 102 and the optical alignment module 107 in vertically overlapping and contacting relationship.

[0103] 3S shows a side view of a modification of the laser module 100C configuration of FIG. 3R in which the optical alignment module 107 is configured to extend across the laser source 102, the optical waveguide 301, and the optical amplifier module 303, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the laser module 100C configuration of FIG. 3S, the optical alignment module 107 provides a physical support for positioning the laser source 102, the optical waveguide 301, and the optical amplifier module 303. In the exemplary laser module 100C configuration of FIG. 1S, the substrate 110 may be omitted if the optical alignment module 107 is formed to have sufficient mechanical strength to physically support itself and each of the laser source 102, the optical waveguide 301, and the optical amplifier module 303.

[0104] Figure 3T illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3R in the absence of the optical waveguide 301, according to some embodiments of the present invention. As such, the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3T represents the laser module 100C of Figure 3R modified to have the features discussed above with respect to the laser module 100A of Figure 3C in relation to the absence of the optical waveguide 301.

[0105] Figure 3U illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3S in the absence of the optical waveguide 301, according to some embodiments of the present invention. As such, the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3U represents the laser module 100C of Figure 3S modified to have the features discussed above with respect to the laser module 100A of Figure 3C in relation to the absence of the optical waveguide 301.

[0106] Figure 3V illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3T in which the optical waveguide 301 is absent and the optical alignment module 107 and the optical amplifier module 303 are positioned side-by-side in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3V thus represents the laser module 100C of Figure 3T modified to have the features discussed above with respect to the laser module 100A of Figure 3E in relation to the absence of the optical waveguide 301 and the positioning of the optical alignment module 107 and the optical amplifier module 303 in side-by-side contact.

[0107] Figure 3W illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3S in which the optical waveguide 301 is absent and the optical alignment module 107 and the optical amplifier module 303 are positioned side-by-side in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In this manner, the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3W represents the laser module 100C of Figure 3S modified to have the features discussed above with respect to the laser module 100A of Figure 3E relating to the absence of the optical waveguide 301 and the positioning of the optical alignment module 107 and the optical amplifier module 303 in side-by-side contact.

[0108] Figure 3X illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3R in which the optical waveguide 301 is absent and the optical alignment module 107 and the optical amplifier module 303 are positioned in vertical overlapping and contacting relationship, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In this manner, the laser module 100C configuration of Figure 3X represents the laser module 100C of Figure 3R modified to have the features discussed above with respect to the laser module 100A of Figure 3F in relation to the absence of the optical waveguide 301 and the positioning of the optical alignment module 107 and the optical amplifier module 303 in vertical overlapping and contacting relationship.

[0109] 3Y illustrates a side view of a modification of the laser module 100C configuration of FIG. 3X in which the optical alignment module 107 is configured to extend across the laser source 102 and the optical amplifier module 303, thereby providing physical support for positioning each of the laser source 102 and the optical amplifier module 303 within the laser module 100C, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the exemplary laser module 100C configuration of FIG. 3Y, the substrate 110 may be omitted if the optical alignment module 107 is formed to have sufficient mechanical strength to physically support itself and each of the laser source 102 and the optical amplifier module 303.

[0110] FIG. 4A shows a structural diagram of a laser module 100D according to some embodiments of the present invention. The laser module 100D includes a laser source 102A and an optical alignment module 107A, which are implemented inside the same PLC 200, as described with respect to FIG. 2A. The laser module 100D also includes an optical waveguide 301 and an optical amplification module 303, as described with respect to FIG. 3A. In some embodiments, the PLC 200, the optical waveguide 301, and the optical amplification module 303 are arranged on a substrate 110. It should be understood that the optical amplification module 100D is configured such that a plurality of multi-wavelength laser outputs MWL-1 to MWL-M are directed from the optical output ports 109-1 to 109-M of the optical alignment module 107A inside the PLC 200 into respective ones of a plurality of optical input ports 304-1 to 304-M of the optical amplification module 303.

[0111] 4B shows a side view of the laser module 100D configuration of FIG. 4A according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the laser module 100D configuration of FIG. 4B, the PLC 200 and the optical amplifier module 303 are positioned to be substantially coplanar on the substrate 110 such that the optical output ports 109-1 to 109-M of the optical alignment module 107A are horizontally aligned with the optical input ports 304-1 to 304-M of the optical amplifier module 303, respectively, so that no redirection of the laser beam is required at the optical output ports 109-1 to 109-M of the optical alignment module 107A or the optical input ports 304-1 to 304-M of the optical amplifier module 303.

[0112] FIG. 4C shows a side view of the laser module 100D configuration of FIG. 4B without the optical waveguide 301, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 4C, the PLC 200 and the optical amplifier module 303 are positioned substantially flush on the substrate 110 such that the optical output ports 109-1-109-M of the optical alignment module 107A are horizontally aligned with the optical input ports 304-1-304-M of the optical amplifier module 303, respectively, so that no redirection of the laser beam is required at the optical output ports 109-1-109-M of the optical alignment module 107A or the optical input ports 304-1-304-M of the optical amplifier module 303. In the embodiment of FIG. 4C, there is a void between the optical output ports 109-1-109-M of the optical alignment module 107A and the optical input ports 304-1-304-M of the optical amplifier module 303. Thus, in the embodiment of Figure 4C, the laser beam output from PLC 200 travels along respective linear paths through the cavity between PLC 200 and optical amplifier module 303. Figure 4D illustrates a side view of the laser module 100D configuration of Figure 4C, where the cavity between PLC 200 and optical amplifier module 303 is covered and / or sealed by member 401, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In various embodiments, member 401 can be a separate chip placed during packaging, or can be a separate material placed during packaging, or can be an integral part of PLC 200, or can be an integral part of optical amplifier module 303.

[0113] 4E shows a side view of laser module 100D in which optical waveguide 301 is not present and PLC 200 and optical amplifier module 303 are arranged side-by-side in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 4E, PLC 200 and optical amplifier module 303 are positioned substantially flush on substrate 110 such that optical output ports 109-1-109-M of optical alignment module 107A are horizontally aligned with optical input ports 304-1-304-M of optical amplifier module 303, respectively, so that no redirection of the laser beam is required at optical output ports 109-1-109-M of optical alignment module 107A or optical input ports 304-1-304-M of optical amplifier module 303.

[0114] 5A shows a structural diagram of a laser module 100E in which an optical alignment module 107B and an optical amplification module 303A are mounted together inside the same PLC 503, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The optical alignment module 107B is configured to function in essentially the same manner as the optical alignment module 107 described above with respect to the laser module 100A. The optical amplification module 303A is configured to function in essentially the same manner as the optical amplification module 303 described above with respect to the laser module 100C. In the PLC 503, the optical alignment module 107B and the optical amplification module 303A are mounted integrally with each other such that a plurality of multi-wavelength laser outputs MWL-1 to MWL-M provided by the optical alignment module 107B are directed into the optical amplification module 303A without having to travel through the optical output port and the optical input port, as shown by the lines 501-1 to 501-M, respectively. Also, in the PLC 503, due to the optical integration of the optical alignment module 107B and the optical amplification module 303A, a separate optical waveguide 301 is not required. In some embodiments of the laser module 100E, the laser source 102, the optical waveguide 105, and the PLC 503 are arranged on the substrate 110. The laser module 100E is configured such that multiple laser beams are directed from the optical output ports 104-1 to 104-N of the laser source 102 within the PLC 503 into respective ones of the multiple optical input ports 108-1 to 108-N of the optical alignment module 107B.

[0115] 5B shows a side view of the laser module 100E configuration of FIG. 5A, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the laser module 100E configuration of FIG. 5B, the PLC 503 and the laser source 102 are positioned to be substantially coplanar on the substrate 110 such that the optical output ports 104-1 to 104-N of the laser source 102 are horizontally aligned with the optical input ports 108-1 to 108-N, respectively, of the optical alignment module 107B, such that no redirection of the laser beam is required at the optical output ports 104-1 to 104-N of the laser source 102 or the optical input ports 108-1 to 108-N of the optical alignment module 107B.

[0116] FIG. 5C illustrates a side view of the laser module 100E configuration of FIG. 5B without the optical waveguide 105, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 5C, the PLC 503 and the laser source 102 are positioned substantially flush on the substrate 110 such that the optical output ports 104-1-104-N of the laser source 102 are horizontally aligned with the optical input ports 108-1-108-N of the optical alignment module 107B, respectively, so that no redirection of the laser beam is required at the optical output ports 104-1-104-N of the laser source 102 or the optical input ports 108-1-108-N of the optical alignment module 107B. In the embodiment of FIG. 5C, there is a void between the optical output ports 104-1-104-N of the laser source 102 and the optical input ports 108-1-108-N of the optical alignment module 107B. Thus, in the embodiment of Figure 5C, the laser beam output from the laser source 102 travels along respective linear paths through the cavity between the laser source 102 and the PLC 503. Figure 5D illustrates a side view of the laser module 100E configuration of Figure 5C, where the cavity between the laser source 102 and the PLC 503 is covered and / or sealed by member 505, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In various embodiments, member 505 can be a separate chip placed during packaging, or can be a separate material placed during packaging, or can be an integral part of the PLC 503, or can be an integral part of the laser source 102.

[0117] 5E shows a side view of a laser module 100E in which the optical waveguide 105 is absent and the laser source 102 and the PLC 503 are arranged side-by-side in contact, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 5E, the laser source 102 and the PLC 503 are positioned to be substantially coplanar on the substrate 110 such that the optical output ports 104-1-104-N of the laser source 102 are horizontally aligned with the optical input ports 108-1-108-N of the optical alignment module 107B, respectively, such that no redirection of the laser beam is required at the optical output ports 104-1-104-N of the laser source 102 or the optical input ports 108-1-108-N of the optical alignment module 107B.

[0118] 6A shows a structural diagram of a laser module 100F in which a laser source 102A, an optical alignment module 107C, and an amplifier module 303A are packaged together inside the same PLC 601 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The laser source 102A is configured to function in essentially the same manner as the laser source 102 as described above with respect to the laser module 100A. The optical alignment module 107C is configured to function in essentially the same manner as the optical alignment module 107 described above with respect to the laser module 100A. The optical amplifier module 303A is configured to function in essentially the same manner as the optical amplifier module 303 described above with respect to the laser module 100C. In the PLC 601, the laser source 102A and the optical alignment module 107C are packaged integrally with each other such that the laser beams 201-1-201-N generated by the multiple lasers 103-1-103-N are guided into the optical alignment module 107C without the need to travel through the optical output port and the optical input port, respectively. Also, in PLC 601, since the laser source 102A and the optical alignment module 107C are optically integrated, a separate optical waveguide 105 is not required. Also, in PLC 601, the optical alignment module 107C and the optical amplification module 303A are integrally implemented with each other such that the multiple multi-wavelength laser outputs MWL-1 to MWL-M provided by the optical alignment module 107C are guided into the optical amplification module 303A without having to travel through the optical output port and the optical input port, respectively, as shown by lines 501-1 to 501-M. Also, in PLC 601, since the optical alignment module 107C and the optical amplification module 303A are optically integrated, a separate optical waveguide 301 is not required. FIG. 6B illustrates a side view of the laser module 100F configuration of FIG. 6A according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0119] It should be understood that the geometrical description of each of the laser source 102 / 102A, the optical waveguide 105 / 301, the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C, and the optical amplification module 303 / 303A as disclosed herein is provided as an example to facilitate the description of the present invention. In various embodiments, each of the laser source 102 / 102A, the optical waveguide 105 / 301, the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C, and the optical amplification module 303 / 303A can have essentially any geometry necessary to form optoelectronic devices of a desired shape and size. In some embodiments, one or more of the laser source 102 / 102A, the optical waveguide 105 / 301, the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C, and the optical amplification module 303 / 303A can be configured to have a substantially flat geometry. In some embodiments, one or more of the laser source 102 / 102A, the optical waveguide 105 / 301, the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C, and the optical amplification module 303 / 303A can be configured to have a three-dimensionally varying geometric shape, i.e., a shape other than a simple right-angle prism. It should also be understood that in various embodiments, each of the laser source 102 / 102A, the optical waveguide 105 / 301, the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C, and the optical amplification module 303 / 303A can have a different size when measured in any reference direction of the relevant coordinate system, i.e., in any of the x-, y-, and z-directions of the Cartesian coordinate system.

[0120] 7 illustrates an example implementation of an optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C including an N×1 (polarization-maintaining) wavelength multiplexer 701 and a 1×M (polarization-maintaining) broadband power splitter 705, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The wavelength multiplexer 701 is configured to combine multiple laser beams received at optical input ports 108-1 through 108-N into a multi-wavelength laser beam that is transmitted from the wavelength multiplexer 701 through the broadband power splitter 705 via an optical waveguide 703. The broadband power splitter 705 is configured to distribute a portion of the total power of the multi-wavelength laser beam to each of multiple optical output ports 109-1 through 109-M of the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C.

[0121] FIG. 8 illustrates an example implementation of an optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C including an arrayed waveguide 801 and a broadband power splitter 805, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 8, the arrayed waveguide 801 is a 16-to-1 arrayed waveguide. However, it should be understood that in various embodiments, the arrayed waveguide 801 can be configured to receive any number (N) of optical inputs. Also, in the example of FIG. 8, the broadband power splitter 805 is a 1-to-16 broadband power splitter. However, it should be understood that in various embodiments, the broadband power splitter 805 can be configured to output any number (M) of optical outputs. The arrayed waveguide 801 is configured to combine multiple laser beams received at the optical input ports 108-1-108-16 into a multi-wavelength laser beam that is transmitted from the arrayed waveguide 801 to the broadband power splitter 805 through the optical waveguide 803. Broadband power splitter 805 is configured to distribute a portion of the total power of the multi-wavelength laser beam to each of a plurality of optical output ports 109-1 through 109-16 of optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C.

[0122] FIG. 9 illustrates an example implementation of an optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C including an echelle grating 901 and a broadband power splitter 905, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 8, the echelle grating 901 is a 16-to-1 grating. However, it should be understood that in various embodiments, the echelle grating 901 can be configured to receive any number (N) of optical inputs. Also, in the example of FIG. 9, the broadband power splitter 905 is a 1-to-16 broadband power splitter. However, it should be understood that in various embodiments, the broadband power splitter 905 can be configured to output any number (M) of optical outputs. The echelle grating 901 is configured to combine multiple laser beams received at the optical input ports 108-1 through 108-16 into a multi-wavelength laser beam that is transmitted from the echelle grating 901 to the broadband power splitter 905 through the optical waveguide 903. Broadband power splitter 905 is configured to distribute a portion of the total power of the multi-wavelength laser beam to each of a plurality of optical output ports 109-1 through 109-16 of optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C.

[0123] FIG. 10 illustrates an example implementation of an optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C including a butterfly waveguide network 1001, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 10, the butterfly waveguide network 1001 is a 16-input to 16-output network. However, it should be understood that in various embodiments, the butterfly waveguide network 1001 can be configured to receive any number (N) of optical inputs and provide any number (M) of optical outputs. The butterfly waveguide network 1001 is configured to receive (N) laser beams from optical input ports 108-1 through 108-N and distribute a portion of each of the (N) laser beams to each of the (M) optical output ports of the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C.

[0124] FIG. 11 illustrates an example implementation of an optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C including a star coupler 1101, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 11, the star coupler 1101 is a 16-input to 16-output star coupler. However, it should be understood that in various embodiments, the star coupler 1101 can be configured to receive any number (N) of optical inputs and provide any number (M) of optical outputs. The star coupler 1101 is configured to receive (N) laser beams from optical input ports 108-1 through 108-N and distribute a portion of each of the (N) laser beams to each of the (M) optical output ports of the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C.

[0125] FIG. 12A illustrates an example implementation of an optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C including a resonator ring array 1201, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 12A, the resonator ring array 1201 is a 16-input to 16-output resonator ring array. However, it should be understood that in various embodiments, the resonator ring array 1201 can be configured to receive any number (N) of optical inputs and provide any number (M) of optical outputs. The resonator ring array 1201 is configured to receive (N) laser beams from optical input ports 108-1 through 108-N and distribute a portion of each of the (N) laser beams to each of the (M) optical output ports of the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C.

[0126] FIG. 12B shows a detailed view of the resonator ring array 1201 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The resonator ring array 1201 includes a number of resonator ring rows R1-RN equal to the number (N) of the plurality of laser beams received at the (N) optical input ports 108-1-108-N, respectively. Each resonator ring row R1-RN includes a number of resonator rings 1203 equal to the number (M) of the plurality of optical output ports 109-1-109-M of the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C. Each of the resonator ring rows R1-RN is configured to receive a different one of the plurality of laser beams as a corresponding input laser beam. Thus, each of R1-RN receives a different one of the wavelengths (λ1-λN) of the (N) laser beams provided by the laser source 102 / 102A. Moreover, for this reason, each resonator ring 1203 of a given one of the resonator ring rows R1-RN can be optimized for operation at a particular laser beam wavelength that the given resonator ring row is to receive. Moreover, the resonator rings 1203 of different resonator ring rows R1-RN can be optimized for operation at different laser beam wavelengths accordingly. Each resonator ring 1203 in a given resonator ring row R1-RN is configured to redirect a portion of the corresponding input laser beam of the given resonator ring row to a different one of the multiple optical output ports 109-1-109-M of the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C, as indicated by arrow 1205. In some embodiments, the resonator rings 1203 of a given resonator ring row R1-RN are positioned to sequentially receive the corresponding input laser beam of the given resonator ring row, where the sequentially positioned resonator rings 1203 of a given resonator ring row relative to the laser source 102 / 102A are configured to redirect progressively larger portions of the corresponding input laser beam of the given resonator ring row. In this manner, the resonator rings 1203 of a given resonator ring row R1-RN can provide substantially equal amounts of laser light to each of the optical output ports 109-1-109-M of the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C.

[0127] FIG. 13 illustrates an example implementation of a laser module 100F on a PLC 601 where the alignment module 107C is implemented to include an arrayed waveguide 801 and a broadband power splitter 805, according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 14 illustrates an example implementation of a laser module 100F on a PLC 601 where the alignment module 107C is implemented to include an echelle grating 901 and a broadband power splitter 905, according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 15 illustrates an example implementation of a laser module 100F on a PLC 601 where the alignment module 107C is implemented to include a butterfly waveguide network 1001, according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 16 illustrates an example implementation of a laser module 100F on a PLC 601 where the alignment module 107C is implemented to include a star coupler 1101, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0128] FIG. 17 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating laser modules 100A-100F according to some embodiments of the present invention. The method includes an operation 1701 for operating a laser source to generate and output a plurality of laser beams having different wavelengths relative to one another. The different wavelengths of the plurality of laser beams are distinguishable in an optical data communication system. The method also includes an operation 1703 for distributing a portion of each of the plurality of laser beams to each of a plurality of optical output ports of the laser modules 100A-100F. The operation 1703 is performed such that all of the different wavelengths of the plurality of laser beams are provided to each of the plurality of optical output ports of the laser modules 100A-100F. In some embodiments, the method optionally includes an operation 1705 for amplifying the laser light distributed to the plurality of optical output ports of the laser modules 100A-100F. In some embodiments, operation 1701 is performed by laser source 102 / 102A, operation 1703 is performed by optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C, and operation 1705 is performed by optical amplification module 303 / 303A. In some embodiments, any two or more of laser source 102 / 102A and optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C and optical amplification module 303 / 303A are operated as physically separate components. Also, in some embodiments, any two or more of laser source 102 / 102A and optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C and optical amplification module 303 / 303A are arranged on a common substrate 110 and / or within the same PLC.

[0129] In some embodiments, the method includes directing a plurality of laser beams obtained from the laser source 102 / 102A into the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C. In some embodiments, the plurality of laser beams are directed from the laser source 102 / 102A through a cavity and from the cavity into the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C. In some embodiments, the method includes transmitting a plurality of laser beams through the optical waveguide 105 to direct the plurality of laser beams obtained from the laser source 102 / 102A into the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C. In some embodiments, the method includes transmitting a plurality of laser beams through one or more optical vertical coupling devices to direct the plurality of laser beams obtained from the laser source 102 / 102A into the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C. In some embodiments, the method includes maintaining polarization of the plurality of laser beams as portions of the plurality of laser beams are distributed to each of the plurality of optical output ports of the laser modules 100A-100F.

[0130] In some embodiments, a respective distributed feedback laser is used to generate each of the multiple laser beams. In some embodiments, the method includes controlling temperatures of the different distributed feedback lasers to substantially uniform temperature dependent wavelength drift between the different distributed feedback lasers. Also, in some embodiments, the method includes controlling the distribution of a portion of each of the multiple laser beams to each of the multiple optical output ports of the laser modules 100A-100F such that each of the multiple optical output ports receives a similar amount of any given one of the optical powers of the multiple laser beams within a specified multiple. In some embodiments, the specified multiple is 5x. In some embodiments, the specified multiple is 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x, 6x, or another multiple between any of these multiples.

[0131] It should be further understood that the present invention also includes methods for manufacturing each of the laser modules 100A-100F as disclosed herein. Moreover, these methods for manufacturing the laser modules 100A-100F can essentially include any known established process and / or technique for manufacturing semiconductor devices and for manufacturing components / substrates for interfacing with one or more semiconductor devices.

[0132] In some embodiments, the laser modules 100A-100F are designed to provide laser light having one or more wavelengths. The laser modules 100A-100F can be organized into several major components, including: A laser source 102 / 102A including a plurality of lasers, e.g., laser diodes, each producing a subset of the wavelengths output by the laser source 102 / 102A; an optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C providing a combiner, coupler, and / or splitter network (CCSN) that receives the wavelengths output from the laser source 102 / 102A; an optical amplifier module 303 / 303A including a plurality of optical amplifiers that operate to increase the amount of optical power output by the laser modules 100A-100F, possibly at the expense of signal-to-noise ratio; A fiber-coupled array connected to bring light out from the laser modules 100A-100F; Optical waveguides 105, 301 (which may include couplers, reflective surfaces, and / or lenses) for directing, collimating, and / or coupling light from the laser source 102 / 102A to and from the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C, to and from the fiber-coupled array, and to and from the optical amplification module 303 / 303A; A heat spreader component (such as copper that mounts all the laser diodes together) that thermally couples all of the lasers together inside the laser source 102 / 102A so that the temperature difference between the laser diodes is minimized, where in some embodiments the heat spreader component can be the same substrate 110 on which the laser source 102 / 102A, the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C, and the optical amplification module 303 / 303A are constructed and / or mounted.

[0133] In various embodiments, the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C can be constructed in a variety of ways, including using separate components, or as an integrated element such as a planar lightwave circuit (PLC). Various embodiments of the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C can include the following features. · A PLC implementation that offers the advantage of maintaining the polarization of light as it propagates through the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C. A PLC implementation in which the laser source 102 / 102A and / or the optical amplification module 303 / 303A can be constructed using the same substrate as the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C, where the substrate of the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C aids in the construction of the laser source 102 / 102A (such as a specific III-V or IV substrate). A PLC implementation in which the laser source 102 / 102A and / or the optical amplifier module 303 / 303A may be attached to the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C, such as by flip chip bonding. A PLC implementation in which the laser source 102 / 102A can couple light to or from a structure within the PLC, where the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C can provide the optical cavity of the laser source 102 / 102A and / or one or more optical waveguides through which the output laser light is coupled into / through the coupling device. A PLC implementation in which the optical amplification module 303 / 303A can couple light to and from structures within the PLC, and in which the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C can provide one or more optical waveguides through which the input and output light of the optical amplifier couples to and from the amplifier through suitable coupling devices including, among others, grating couplers, edge couplers, and / or evanescent coupling waveguides. In some embodiments, the glass substrate may not have sufficient thermal conductivity to provide thermal coupling for the laser source 102 / 102A. In such embodiments, a silicon substrate (such as with silicon photonics) may be used to provide thermal conductivity, provided that the low index cladding material (buried oxide or deep trench layer) is also thermally conductive or is not too thick. Alternatively, III-V substrates such as GaAs or InP also have high thermal conductivity and can serve as suitable materials for thermal coupling for the laser source 102 / 102A as well.

[0134] In various embodiments, there are multiple possible configurations for the optical alignment modules 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C, including, among others: The optical alignment modules 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C can be configured as symmetric star couplers with N:N fan-in and fan-out that not only combine N wavelengths but also split the power in N directions. The optical alignment modules 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C can be constructed as asymmetric star couplers with N:M fan-in and fan-out that not only combine N wavelengths but also split the power in M ​​directions. The optical alignment modules 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C can be constructed as an N-to-N star coupler using N / 2×log2N 2×2 splitters / couplers. Such a configuration, in its simplest implementation, has a total of (2 n -1) the waveguide crossing. The optical alignment modules 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C can be configured as 1:N splitters used in the reverse direction. This configuration splits 1 / 2 the total input laser power. N Print the result and discard the rest. The optical alignment modules 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C can be constructed as splitters in addition to an Arrayed Waveguide (AWG).

[0135] In some embodiments, the optical amplifier module 303 / 303A is used to increase the output power of the laser modules 100C to 100F. In some embodiments, the optical amplifier module 303 / 303A may include the following features. Optical amplifiers can take several forms, including semiconductor optical amplifiers, erbium / ytterbium-doped fiber amplifiers, Raman amplifiers, among others. Optical amplifiers can be used to amplify input light of only a single wavelength or of multiple wavelengths. When amplifying multiple wavelengths, each optical amplifier can have sufficient optical bandwidth to amplify all of the input wavelengths. If the wavelengths are wide enough to exceed the bandwidth of an individual optical amplifier, multiple optical amplifiers can be used to amplify all wavelengths, with each optical amplifier amplifying only the subset of wavelengths that fall within its amplification bandwidth. In this scenario, optical amplifiers can be added at midpoints inside the optical alignment module 107 / 107A / 107B / 107C, and the input to each optical amplifier is defined to have the subset of wavelengths that it amplifies.

[0136] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, can be interchanged and used in selected embodiments even if not specifically shown or described. The invention may furthermore be varied in many respects. Such variations should not be considered as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

[0137] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention should not be limited to the details set forth herein, but may be modified within the scope of the described embodiments and within the scope of equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A laser module comprising: a laser source configured to generate and output a plurality of laser beams having different wavelengths relative to one another that are distinguishable by an optical data communication system; an optical alignment module configured to receive the plurality of laser beams from the laser source and distribute a portion of each of the plurality of laser beams to each of a plurality of optical output ports of the optical alignment module, such that all of the different wavelengths of the plurality of laser beams are provided to each of the plurality of optical output ports of the optical alignment module; A laser module comprising:

2. 10. The laser module of claim 1, wherein the laser source and the optical alignment module are physically separate components.

3. 3. The laser module of claim 2, wherein said laser source is aligned with said optical alignment module to direct said plurality of laser beams into a plurality of optical input ports of each of said optical alignment modules.

4. 4. The laser module of claim 3, wherein the optical alignment module is spaced apart from the laser source.

5. 4. The laser module of claim 3, wherein the optical alignment module is placed in contact with the laser source.

6. 4. The laser module of claim 3, wherein a portion of the optical alignment module is positioned to overlap a portion of the laser source.

7. 4. The laser module according to claim 3, The laser module further comprising an optical waveguide positioned between the laser source and the optical alignment module configured to direct the plurality of laser beams from the laser source into a respective one of the plurality of optical input ports of the optical alignment module.

8. 8. The laser module of claim 7, wherein the optical waveguide is configured to maintain polarization of the plurality of laser beams between the laser source and the optical alignment module.

9. 4. The laser module of claim 3, wherein the optical alignment module is configured to maintain the polarization of each of the plurality of laser beams between the plurality of optical input ports of the optical alignment module and the plurality of optical output ports of the optical alignment module.

10. 10. The laser module of claim 1, wherein the laser source and the optical alignment module are both packaged together within a planar lightwave circuit.

11. 2. The laser module of claim 1, wherein the laser source comprises a plurality of distributed feedback lasers configured to respectively generate the plurality of laser beams.

12. 2. The laser module according to claim 1, a heat spreader component arranged proximate to the laser source configured to dissipate thermal power of the plurality of distributed feedback lasers to substantially uniform temperature dependent wavelength drift among the plurality of distributed feedback lasers.

13. 13. The laser module of claim 12, wherein the optical alignment module includes the heat spreader component.

14. 2. The laser module of claim 1, wherein the optical alignment module is configured such that each of the plurality of optical output ports of the optical alignment module receives the same amount of optical power as each other and within a factor of five of the optical power of any given one of the plurality of laser beams.

15. 2. The laser module of claim 1, wherein the optical alignment module includes a star coupler configured to receive the plurality of laser beams and distribute a portion of each of the plurality of laser beams to each of the plurality of optical output ports of the optical alignment module.

16. 2. The laser module of claim 1, wherein the optical alignment module includes a wavelength combiner configured to combine the multiple laser beams into a multi-wavelength laser beam, and a broadband power splitter configured to distribute a portion of the total power of the multi-wavelength laser beam to each of the multiple optical output ports of the optical alignment module.

17. 2. The laser module of claim 1, wherein the optical alignment module includes an arrayed waveguide configured to combine the multiple laser beams into a multi-wavelength laser beam, and includes a broadband power splitter configured to distribute a portion of the total power of the multi-wavelength laser beam to each of the multiple optical output ports of the optical alignment module.

18. 10. The laser module of claim 1, wherein the optical alignment module includes an echelle grating configured to receive the plurality of laser beams and distribute a portion of each of the plurality of laser beams to each of the plurality of optical output ports of the optical alignment module.

19. 2. The laser module of claim 1, wherein the optical alignment module includes a butterfly waveguide network configured to receive the plurality of laser beams and distribute a portion of each of the plurality of laser beams to each of the plurality of optical output ports of the optical alignment module.

20. 10. The laser module of claim 1, wherein the optical alignment module includes a resonator ring array configured to receive the plurality of laser beams and distribute a portion of each of the plurality of laser beams to each of the plurality of optical output ports of the optical alignment module.

21. 21. The laser module of claim 20, wherein the resonator ring array includes a number of resonator ring rows equal to the number of the plurality of laser beams, each resonator ring row including a number of resonator rings equal to the number of the plurality of optical output ports of the optical alignment module, each of the resonator ring rows configured to receive a different one of the plurality of laser beams as a corresponding input laser beam, and each resonator ring within a given resonator ring row configured to redirect a portion of the corresponding input laser beam of the given resonator ring row to a different one of the plurality of optical output ports of the optical alignment module.

22. 22. The laser module of claim 21, wherein the resonator rings of a given resonator ring row are positioned to sequentially receive the corresponding input laser beam of the given resonator ring row, and the sequentially positioned resonator rings of the given resonator ring row are configured to redirect increasingly larger portions of the corresponding input laser beam of the given resonator ring row relative to the laser source.

23. 23. The laser module of claim 22, wherein each resonator ring in a given resonator ring row is optimized for a particular wavelength of the corresponding input laser beam of the given resonator ring row.

24. 2. The laser module according to claim 1, a laser module configured to amplify laser light received from each of the plurality of optical output ports of the optical alignment module, the optical amplification module being configured to provide amplified laser light for each of the plurality of optical output ports of the optical alignment module to a corresponding plurality of optical output ports of the optical amplification module.

25. 25. The laser module of claim 24, wherein the optical amplification module and the optical alignment module are physically separate components.

26. 26. A laser module as described in claim 25, wherein the optical alignment module is aligned with the optical amplification module to direct laser light obtained from the multiple optical output ports of the optical alignment module into multiple optical input ports of each of the optical amplification modules.

27. 27. The laser module of claim 26, wherein the optical amplification module is spaced apart from the optical alignment module.

28. 27. The laser module of claim 26, wherein the optical amplification module is disposed in contact with the optical alignment module.

29. 27. The laser module of claim 26, wherein a portion of the optical amplification module is positioned to overlap a portion of the optical alignment module.

30. 27. The laser module of claim 26, an optical waveguide positioned between the optical alignment module and the optical amplification module configured to guide laser light obtained from the plurality of optical output ports of the optical alignment module into a respective one of the plurality of optical input ports of the optical amplification module; The laser module further comprises:

31. 31. The laser module of claim 30, wherein the optical waveguide is configured to maintain the polarization of the laser light between the optical alignment module and the optical amplification module.

32. 27. The laser module of claim 26, wherein the optical amplifier module is configured to maintain polarization of laser light between the plurality of optical input ports of the optical amplifier module and the plurality of optical output ports of the optical amplifier module.

33. 25. The laser module of claim 24, wherein both the optical alignment module and the optical amplification module are packaged together within a planar lightwave circuit.

34. 25. The laser module of claim 24, wherein the laser source, the optical alignment module, and the optical amplification module are packaged together within a planar lightwave circuit.

Images