Modeling and control of tunable vertical cavity laser diode

Micromachined tunable vertical cavity laser diodes (VCLDs) are advantageous for wavelength division multiplexing applications due to their substantial and continuous wavelength tuning range. The present paper reports the effects of closed loop control on these devices. Such use substantially improves the performance of VCLDs. Results from several simulation studies showed that the overshoot was eliminated, the tuning range significantly increased and voltage displacement function linearized. The deformation of the mirror surface was calculated using the Finite Element method and a mathematical model was computed using the Multiple Model approach.

► We modeled a MEMS actuator, which is used in a tunable laser using ANSYS.
► We studied the actuator transient response using finite element method.
► A mathematical model obtained using Multiple Model approach.
► A PID controller has been designed for the actuator.
► The controller improved the actuator's transient response and increased the tuning Range.