Vixar has demonstrated a widely tunable laser platform based on integration of VCSEL and microelectromechanical system (MEMS). The new advancement is part of a NIH funded program to develop multiwavelength swept sources for tissue spectroscopy applications. The device combines a vertical cavity surface emitting laser with a thermally actuated movable mirror to tune the laser cavity across a wide spectral bandwidth. The unique design allows for mode-hop free continuous tuning with less than 2.5V applied bias. Single mode output power up to 0.75mW has been achieved over 32nm of tuning. The electrically pumped architecture and compact form factor (<0.5 mm square) enables straightforward operation and versatile packaging flexibility. Spectra below demonstrate a VCSEL centered at 935nm, however the approach can be adapted to any wavelength range from 660 nm to 1.1um for a variety of medical and industrial sensing applications.
The tunable VCSEL is still in development, but we welcome discussions with potential partners regarding applications and more specific requirements for the technology.
