Recent advances in Quantum Dot material for microwave semiconductor lasers and amplifiers

Quantum dot material offers new perspectives for the development of low-cost, high performing semiconductor laser and amplifiers. The 3D quantification of the energy levels in quantum dots leads to potentially high optical gain and efficiency, and thus the possibility of operation at lower currents than quantum well devices. Better resistance to temperature change, lower linewidth enhancement factor and lower noise are also expected. The elaboration and the basic properties of the quantum dot material for laser and amplifiers will be first presented. Then the main device performance will be detailed, as well as the disruptive properties already obtained. Potentials for microwave photonic applications will be discussed