High-Q, Ultra-narrow Line-width Lasers on a Silicon Chip

We have explored rare-earth-ion-doped integrated amplifiers and lasers on a silicon chip. Such lowcost, compact components are useful for signal generation or amplification within an integrated optical circuit (Fig. 1). In particular, Er 3+ -doped waveguides provide light generation and amplification at the all-important telecom wavelengths (see our recent review paper [1]). We have demonstrated Er 3+ -doped waveguide amplifiers and lasers at unprecedented performance levels.