Author_Institution :
GTE Labs. Inc., Waltham, MA, USA
Abstract :
The basics of semiconductor lasers are reviewed. Specifically, lasers with wavelengths between 1.3 and 1.55 mu m, the range most applicable to fiber-optic communications, are discussed. In this range, light experiences lower loss on silica fiber; in addition, 1.3 mu m is the wavelength of zero dispersion, where the refraction index and, consequently, the speed of propagation are independent of wavelength. Key properties of semiconductor lasers, including power-current characteristics, beam shape, spectra, modulation, noise characteristics, and reliability, are discussed.<>
Keywords :
electron device noise; laser beam applications; laser tuning; optical communication equipment; optical modulation; reliability; semiconductor junction lasers; spectral line breadth; 1.3 to 1.55 micron; beam shape; fiber-optic communications; modulation; noise characteristics; optical fibre links; power-current characteristics; reliability; semiconductor lasers; silica fiber; spectra; Fiber lasers; Laser beams; Laser noise; Optical fiber communication; Optical propagation; Optical refraction; Power lasers; Propagation losses; Semiconductor lasers; Silicon compounds;
