Dynamic P-I and P-V Curves for Semiconductor Lasers and Modulators

In this paper, we propose the dynamic P-V curve for modulator and P-I curve for laser diode, and present a simple approach to deriving the curves from the small-signal frequency responses measured using a microwave network analyzer. The linear response range, modulation efficiency, optimal driving conditions at different frequency can, therefore, be determined. It is demonstrated that the large-signal performance of electro-absorption (EA) modulator and the directly modulated semiconductor lasers can be predicted from the dynamic curved surface. Experiments show a good agreement between the evaluated characteristics and the measured large-signal performance.