This paper presents the realization and performance of 1.6 mum InGaAsP/InP multichannel laser diodes for wavelength division multiplex applications. Our novel approach to fabricate such devices needs no epitaxial overgrowth, thus enabling a simple and fast process. The resonator of those lasers consists of three monolithically integrated ridge-waveguide segments, one of them equipped with a laterally coupled metal Bragg grating for singlemode emission. Similar to previous conventional devices, the optical output can be tuned to several equidistant wavelength channels in a range of 5.5 nm by changing the current injection in the Bragg section. We discuss the mode-switching using a model description of the thermal and carrier-induced tuning mechanisms. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.