The dynamics of diode lasers at microwave frequencies
Abstract
A theoretical analysis of gain-switching, active mode-locking and direct modulation of semiconductor diode lasers is described using a mathematical model based on the multimode rate equations. A computer simulation of the transient process of light generation is developed where the coupled nonlinear differential equations for electron and photon densities as functions of time and coordinates are solved numerically. All three modes of operation are compared, and the laser design requirements for each case are discussed. It is shown that bit rates, of the order of 7 Gbits/s without time-division multiplexing, and 35 Gbits/s with multiplexing can be consistently obtained in the gain-switched mode of operation. It is also predicted that the intrinsic direct modulation response of the laser can have analog modulation bandwidths as high as 60 GHz under certain operating conditions and with suitably designed laser structures. The generation of optical pulses with durations of several picoseconds and with repetition rates of several GHz is feasible under mode-locked operation.
- Publication:
-
GEC Journal Research
- Pub Date:
- 1986
- Bibcode:
- 1986GECJR...4...15D
- Keywords:
-
- Continuous Wave Lasers;
- Laser Mode Locking;
- Mathematical Models;
- Microwave Frequencies;
- Semiconductor Diodes;
- Semiconductor Lasers;
- Aluminum Gallium Arsenides;
- Bandwidth;
- Current Density;
- Microwave Switching;
- Optical Communication;
- Lasers and Masers