Title :
Concept of linewidth enhancement factor in semiconductor lasers: its usefulness and limitations
Author :
Agrawal, Govind P. ; Bowden, Charles M.
Author_Institution :
Inst. of Opt., Rochester Univ., NY, USA
fDate :
6/1/1993 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
The usefulness and the limitations of the concept of the linewidth enhancement factor alpha in semiconductor lasers are examined by considering the laser dynamics without the rate-equation approximation. The rate equations with a constant value of alpha can be used for semiconductor lasers operating continuously or modulated directly such that the carrier density does not change significantly during each modulation cycle. A new set of generalized Bloch equations should be used whenever subpicosecond optical pulses are involved.<>
Keywords :
high-speed optical techniques; laser theory; semiconductor lasers; carrier density; generalized Bloch equations; laser dynamics; linewidth enhancement factor; modulation cycle; rate equations; semiconductor lasers; subpicosecond optical pulses; Charge carrier density; Equations; Laser modes; Laser theory; Laser transitions; Optical refraction; Optical variables control; Pump lasers; Refractive index; Semiconductor lasers;
Journal_Title :
Photonics Technology Letters, IEEE
