Ultrafast dynamic properties of quantum dot semiconductor optical amplifiers including line broadening and carrier heating

The static and dynamic characteristics of quantum dot semiconductor optical amplifiers were investigated taking into account the effect of inhomogeneous line broadening, carrier relaxation between the dot energy states and carrier heating. Size fluctuation was observed to significantly reduce the optical gain, increase the transparency current of the amplifier and reduce the ultrafast gain compression. It was found that the ultrafast gain recovery strongly depends on carrier heating.