Controlled generation of optical pulse trains by double-contacted GaAs laser diodes

Self sustained trains of light pulses shorter than 90 ps and with repetition rates up to 1.3 GHz have been generated by double-contacted laser diodes. The repetition rate of the optical pulses depends on both bias currents, whereby the sensitivity to the absorber current is much higher. Synchronisation and possible digital modulation of the optical pulse trains is demonstrated.