Microscopic theory of ultrashort pulse compression and break-up in a semiconductor optical amplifier

We explain recent nonlinear pulse propagation phenomena in a semiconductor optical amplifier as noted by Romstad et al. (see ibid., vol.12, p.1674, Dec. 2000). The microscopic model that me employ qualitatively captures all trends of the experimental measurements with no fitting parameters. Consequently, our findings are important for a detailed understanding, and future optimization of ultrafast processes in semiconductor amplifiers for ultrafast networks and pulse-shortening applications.