Title :
A Critical Comparison of High-Speed VCSEL Characterization Techniques
Author :
O´Brien, C.J. ; Majewski, Marian L. ; Rakic, Aleksandar D.
Author_Institution :
Sch. of Inf. Technol. & Electr. Eng., Queensland Univ., Brisbane, Qld.
Abstract :
This paper critically compares, for the first time, common microwave and optical procedures used for the high-speed characterization of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). The intrinsic small-signal modulation characteristics of a VCSEL are measured, and the related rate equation parameters are extracted. Observed trends show excellent agreement with theory. The modulation characteristics of the VCSEL are determined by examining three different responses: relative intensity noise, S21 response, and high-resolution optical spectra. The various experimental techniques yielded consistent results. The relative strengths and weaknesses of each measurement are investigated
Keywords :
laser cavity resonators; laser noise; laser variables measurement; microwave measurement; optical modulation; semiconductor lasers; surface emitting lasers; S21 response; high-resolution optical spectra; high-speed VCSEL characterization; microwave procedures; optical procedures; rate equation parameters; relative intensity noise; small-signal modulation; vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers; Equations; High speed optical techniques; Intensity modulation; Laser noise; Laser theory; Masers; Optical modulation; Optical noise; Surface emitting lasers; Vertical cavity surface emitting lasers; Relative intensity noise (RIN); relaxation resonance frequency; vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL);
Journal_Title :
Lightwave Technology, Journal of
DOI :
10.1109/JLT.2006.889362
