Mechanical-Strain-Induced Wavelength and Birefringence Tuning in VCSELs

This study investigates the impact of controlled mechanical strain on the wavelength and birefringence characteristics of Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs), key components in optoelectronics, especially in data centers. Utilizing a custom four-point bending module, we systematically analyze the effects of strain on VCSELs, focusing on wavelength evolution and birefringence tuning. Our experiments reveal a consistent blue shift in the laser’s wavelength, up to 1 nm, correlating linearly with applied strain levels of approximately 0.271 nanometer / milli strain. Additionally, birefringence tuning from 100 GHz to 290 GHz is achieved, demonstrating the potential of strain manipulation as a reliable technique for precise wavelength and birefringence adjustments. These findings suggest significant prospects for enhancing VCSEL performance in optical communication applications, allowing for optimized performance and expanded functionality in various optoelectronic systems.