Generation of ultrashort optical pulses by microwave modulation of laser diodes

Describes a theoretical investigation (based on the rate equations) of ultrashort optical pulse generation by directly modulated laser diodes. The effects of input signal parameters (such as bias current and RF current) on the duration and magnitude of the pulses are examined. The nonlinear dynamics of pulse generation are analysed using the Poincare map and bifurcation theory. The application of Melnikov´s method to an analysis of the rate equations is suggested, and the implementation is outlined