Device characterization for optimization of high performance semiconductor lasers

The applications of semiconductor lasers include high-speed digital networks, cable television (CATV) analog systems, CD-players, etc. The wide range of applications set different requirements on the operating characteristics of the laser, such as threshold current, output power, temperature stability, modulation bandwidth, wavelength chirp, linearity, etc. A thorough understanding of material and device properties is necessary in order to optimize the device design. We describe the results of experimental studies on such laser properties as optical gain and loss and their dependence on operating conditions, rates of carrier recombination, wavelength chirp, and carrier plasma heating