Overview of demand for DFB laser

Overview of demand for DFB laser
（1） The core concept of DFB laser
DFB continuous laser, also known as continuous wave distributed feedback semiconductor laser, integrates a periodic grating structure in the active waveguide region of the laser. By relying on the distributed feedback effect of the grating, frequency selective resonance is achieved, and the laser is output in a continuous and uninterrupted steady-state mode throughout the entire process, without pulse interruption or energy peak fluctuations.
Compared with ordinary FP lasers and pulsed DFB lasers, its core advantages are extremely prominent: firstly, it has extremely strong wavelength stability, can achieve precise narrow linewidth output, and has excellent resistance to environmental temperature drift and vibration interference; Secondly, the output power is continuous and stable, with high spot quality and extremely low noise figure; Thirdly, it has good coherence, large modulation bandwidth, and is suitable for various optoelectronic scenes with long distances, high precision, and high stability. Based on characteristic differences, pulsed DFB lasers are commonly used for ranging and pulse communication, while DFB continuous lasers focus on high-end steady-state application scenarios, with higher technical barriers and product added value.
（2） Industry demand background
1. The high-speed iteration of optical communication has given rise to urgent needs
The global computing power network, 5G/6G base stations, data centers, and backbone networks are upgrading to ultra-high speed rates of 200G/400G/800G. Traditional lasers cannot meet the requirements of long-distance and low error rate transmission. DFB continuous lasers, as the core emitting light source of high-speed optical modules, are the basic components for stable operation of high-speed optical communication systems.
2. The localization replacement of high-end sensors in China is urgently needed
The fields of fiber optic sensing, gas detection, LiDAR, petroleum exploration, aerospace precision detection, etc. have strict requirements for the wavelength accuracy, stability, and service life of laser light source. For a long time, high-end continuous DFB lasers have relied on imports, and the domestic demand for independent controllability continues to increase, forcing technological breakthroughs in the industry chain.
3. Continuously expanding emerging application scenarios
Emerging fields such as laser medicine, precision spectral analysis, industrial constant temperature detection, and quantum communication are rapidly developing. Steady state, low-noise, and narrow linewidth continuous laser light sources have become standard in the scene, continuously opening up incremental space in the industry.