ICS announces 894.6nm single mode VCSELs
Narrow linewidth VCSELs with high mode stability and low temperature tuning coefficient for portable applications
Manchester-based Integrated Compound Semiconductors (ICS) has announced the launch of a VCSEL specifically designed for atomic clock and quantum magnetometer applications.
VCS894.6-DP is a planar device, with single longitudinal mode emission at 894.6nm, the wavelength corresponding to the D1 transition line of Cs atoms. The device offers high mode stability, with side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) of 25dB and narrow spectral linewidth of 40MHz as tested at 80°C and 2mA. VCS894.6-DP is suitable for portable applications enabled by a low temperature tuning coefficient of 0.07nm/°C and has undergone successful preliminary testing in an atomic clock configuration.
The VCS894.6-DP is the first commercial release in a portfolio of single mode VCSELs for customers requiring narrow linewidth, highly mode stable devices for applications such as quantum. Enabled by latest testing methodologies, the fabricated VCSELs are guaranteed to have single mode emission at the point of packaging.
The VCSEL portfolio is built on scalable manufacturing processes through a partnership with the Compound Semiconductor Centre (CSC), which developed the high-uniformity epitaxy process using MOCVD platforms. The Compound Semiconductor Centre was founded in 2015 as a Joint Venture between Cardiff University and IQE Plc, with the mission of accelerating commercialisation of compound semiconductor materials and device research. Based in Cardiff, the Centre is a vital milestone towards developing a World-class Compound Semiconductor Technology cluster in South Wales.
Ioannis Kostakis, VCSEL technical lead of ICS Ltd, commented: “We are pleased to introduce the first product of our VCSEL portfolio for quantum applications. The specifications for such VCSELs are especially challenging and we are ready to support system integrators with VCSEL technologies that allow a pathway to market for commercial applications of quantum technologies. Our combined capabilities and partnership with CSC allow us to develop highly customised VCSELs on volume platforms and we are looking forward to supporting customers with narrow linewidth VCSEL technologies beyond quantum applications.”
Denise Powell, programme manager Quantum Technologies at CSC, commented: “Together with ICS, we are making high performance VCSEL technologies more accessible. We have seen considerable advancement in quantum technologies over the last five years and we are excited to support ICS with the VCS894.6-DP product through high-uniformity GaAs-based epitaxy solutions. The techniques developed can be applied to other applications requiring stringent wavelength control.”
