We studied three types of lasers emitting narrow beam divergence of output light: 1) a spot-size converter integrated laser diodes (SS-LDs) with a vertically tapered waveguide, 2) one with a laterally tapered waveguide, and 3) one consisting of a small cross section of active region. We compared them with regard to their performance in coupling efficiency to a cleaved single mode fiber, threshold current, output power, and reliability. Both the spot-size converted integrated lasers with vertically and laterally tapered waveguide repeatedly provided low threshold currents of as low as 6 mA and low coupling loss to the fiber of 1.2 to 2.5 dB in two inch wafer processes. As a result of the aging test, the SS-lasers were predicted to have the same degradation rate as a conventional buried heterostructure laser. The laser having a small cross section of active layer also has low coupling loss and high efficiency up to 85.

Fundamentals and development of PDFAs are described. Spectroscopic data of Pr3+ in a fluoride glass are presented with a view to understanding the performance of PDFA. An amplification mechanism model which explains PDFA performance is established. On the basis of the model pump schemes which efficiently extract the potential in Pr3+-doped fluoride fiber are discussed in order to construct amplifier modules. Gain characteristics of Pr3+-doped fluoride fibers are clarified. Codoping effect on pump wavelength extension is investigated. LD-pumped PDFA construction and performance are described. PDFAs are shown to be attractive device to upgrade the performance of optical systems at 1.3µm. Furthermore future approaches to PDFA research are discussed.