Gain dynamics of semiconductor lasers

Martin R. Hofmann

doi:10.1117/12.316658

7 July 1998 Gain dynamics of semiconductor lasers

Martin R. Hofmann

Proceedings Volume 3283, Physics and Simulation of Optoelectronic Devices VI; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.316658
Event: Optoelectronics and High-Power Lasers and Applications, 1998, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

The gain spectra and the dynamics of semiconductor lasers are investigated on timescales from continuous wave down to the 100 fs regime. First, we measure continuous wave gain spectra over a wide spectral range with a transmission experiment using the ultrabroad spectrum of a 10 fs Ti:sapphire laser. The agreement between our experimental results and a parameter-free microscopic theory is excellent, only if carrier scattering and polarization are treated correctly. Accordingly, carrier thermalization and material polarization dynamics have to be considered in order to achieve a fundamental understanding of the dynamics of semiconductor lasers. The ultrafast carrier and polarization dynamics are experimentally investigated by femtosecond heterodyne pump-probe and four-wave-mixing experiments. Finally, we study the influence of carrier thermalization on the emission dynamics of a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). The VCSEL is optically pumped with femtosecond pulses from a Ti:sapphire laser and the temporal evolution of its emission is investigated as a function of the initial excess energy of the photoexcited carriers. The dynamics become slower for larger excess energies since carrier cooling is slower. The fastest response is obtained for resonant pumping.

Citation Download Citation

Martin R. Hofmann "Gain dynamics of semiconductor lasers", Proc. SPIE 3283, Physics and Simulation of Optoelectronic Devices VI, (7 July 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.316658

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available