Title :
Transfer-matrix analysis of optical bistability in DFB semiconductor laser amplifiers with nonuniform gratings
Author :
Maywar, Drew N. ; Agrawal, Govind P.
Author_Institution :
Inst. of Opt., Rochester Univ., NY, USA
fDate :
11/1/1997 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
We present a transfer-matrix method capable of simulating the effects of nonuniform gratings on the filtering, amplification, and bistability characteristics of distributed feedback (DFB) semiconductor laser amplifiers. The linewidth enhancement factor is incorporated in a way that allows direct gain-tuning of the bistability hysteresis. As an example, we compare a λ/4 phase-shifted DFB amplifier with and without spatial chirp. For amplifiers driven to yield the same unsaturated peak amplifier gain, positive linear chirp widens the spectral range of low-threshold switching and increases the switching contrast
Keywords :
chirp modulation; distributed feedback lasers; electro-optical modulation; hysteresis; laser feedback; laser theory; matrix algebra; nonlinear optics; optical bistability; semiconductor device models; semiconductor lasers; λ/4 phase-shifted DFB amplifier; DFB semiconductor laser amplifiers; amplification characteristics; bistability characteristics; bistability hysteresis; filtering characteristics; gain-tuning; linewidth enhancement factor; low-threshold switching; nonuniform gratings; optical bistability; positive linear chirp; spatial chirp; spectral range; switching contrast; transfer-matrix analysis; transfer-matrix method; unsaturated peak amplifier gain; Chirp; Distributed feedback devices; Filtering; Gratings; Laser feedback; Optical amplifiers; Optical bistability; Optical filters; Semiconductor lasers; Semiconductor optical amplifiers;
Journal_Title :
Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
