Dynamic simulation of switching in a 4-section SG-DBR tunable laser, using a time-domain model with sub-ps temporal resolution

Summary form only given. The time domain model used divides the device into many sections, typically of length 2 /spl mu/m, leading to an iteration time-step of 0.025 ps. For each section and for each time step the forward and reverse rate equations for the optical fields are solved and electron density is updated. The ex-facet output power of the device is recorded and (over a suitable time window) Fourier-transformed to produce an output spectrum. No temperature effects are included in the model, due to the thermal time constants of the device and its individual sections being several orders of magnitude larger (i.e. ms) than the dynamic time steps and effects observed here (ns). The device itself is a tunable 4-section SG-DBR laser. It is controlled by 4 currents and can tune continuously over the EDFA bandwidth. A simulated tuning map against front and rear tuning currents is shown.