Analytical predictions of the intermodulation noise of semiconductor laser diode

Theoretical models for semiconductor laser diode nonlinearities are investigated. Volterra transfer functions are calculated from the laser rate equations using an output-to-input approach. Nonlinear models for second harmonic, third harmonic, and two-tone third-order intermodulation distortions are calculated from the Volterra transfer functions. Variations of distortion level with frequency and bias are shown along with previously published theoretical, simulation, and experimental results. The advantage of the approach presented is that it offers a more general analysis framework and an accurate rapid evaluation of the device performance.