A comparison of small signal modulation parameter extraction techniques for vertical-cavity, surface-emitting lasers

The small signal modulation characteristics of a vertical-cavity, surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) are determined using three different measurements: relative intensity noise, frequency response, and high resolution optical spectra. The resonant and damping frequencies were measured, and related rate equation parameters were extracted; excellent agreement was found both between experiment and theory, and amongst the different measurement techniques. The results and procedures are compared, and the findings are presented.