ISSN:
1572-817X
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Electrical Engineering, Measurement and Control Technology
,
Physics
Notes:
Abstract Optimum structures of travelling-wave semiconductor laser amplifiers (TWAs) are analysed theoretically from the viewpoints of low-polarization-sensitive signal gain, high-saturation output and low-noise characteristics. The signal gain differences between TE and TM modes, saturation output powers, noise figures and operating currents are investigated as functions of the active-layer thickness and device length. These characteristics are compared among the conventional double-heterostructure (DH), asymmetric separate-confinement-heterostructure (SCH) and symmetric SCH structures. The symmetric SCH is shown to be the optimum structure for a polarization-insensitive TWA maintaining high-saturation output power and low-noise characteristics at low injection current density. The conventional DH TWA with a thick, short active layer is preferable for achieving the most isotropic signal gain while maintaining a high-saturation output power and a small noise figure, even though it suffers from higher operating current density than the symmetric SCH TWA.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02117682
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