Nonlinear static characteristics of monolithic active integrated-optic waveguides

A travelling optical flux analysis is carried out on a GaAs monolithic active integrated-optic waveguide (AIOW) to calculate both the nonlinearity of its static input/output characteristics and the spontaneous noise generated. From this model, the output signal-to-noise ratio of the guide, as well as its quasistatic harmonic distortion characteristics are found. Features of the model are the inclusion of the wavelength dependence of the stimulated gain and the spontaneous emission characteristics, and the variation of the carrier density and photon flux in the longitudinal direction of the waveguide. This enables the effect of the input wavelength of the light source on the transmission characteristics to be studied, as well as the output noise spectrum to be calculated under different conditions of forward path gain along the guide.<>