Analysis of the dynamic response of multielement semiconductor lasers

Abstract

We present a derivation of the dynamic response of a semiconductor laser consisting of more than one active element. We show that the amplitude and phase of the modulated cavity adiabatically follows the complex resonance of the composite cavity; and using this relation, plus linearized carrier equations, we calculate the parameters characterizing the modulation response of the composite system. In the process, "effective" differential gain constants and linewidth enhancement factors arise which take the place of the corresponding parameters in single-element lasers. In the case of a two-section laser, we show that frequency chirping under modulation is present except under special conditions; we identify those conditions and show how chirping can be avoided.