Refractive Index Sensing Using a Photonic Crystal Hybrid External Cavity Laser

Abstract

In this work, we show a photonic crystal hybrid external cavity laser (HECL) that can be used for refractive index sensing applications. To demonstrate its potential for integration we present the first demonstration of a fully integrated hybrid external cavity laser (HECL) in edge-coupling configuration by means of micro-transfer printing. The HECL is able to achieve single-mode regime over a wide range of driving currents with SMSR in the range of 40 dB. This platform provides a RI sensor characterized its compactness, simplicity of fabrication, compatibility with high throughput integration processes.