Analog modulation of semiconductor lasers

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511755729.004

3 - Analog modulation of semiconductor lasers

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 July 2010

Joachim Piprek and

John E. Bowers

Edited by

William S. C. Chang

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Joachim Piprek: Affiliation:
University of California, Santa Barbara
John E. Bowers: Affiliation:
University of California, Santa Barbara
William S. C. Chang: Affiliation:
University of California, San Diego

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Summary

Introduction

The laser is one of the most important elements in fiber optic links since it generates the coherent optical wave that carries the signal. Typical laser wavelengths are 1.3 μm and 1.55 μm corresponding to the dispersion and absorption minimum, respectively, of silica fibers. The laser frequency is about 200 THz and the RF (10 kHz-300 MHz) or microwave (300 MHz-300 GHz) signal can be modulated onto the laser beam either directly or externally. This chapter focuses on direct modulation. It is simpler to implement than external modulation but the usable bandwidth is limited to a few GHz. Applications of direct analog laser modulation include cable TV, base station links for mobile communication, and antenna remoting. Laser performance requirements include high slope efficiency to obtain high link gain, low laser noise to keep the link noise figure low, and low distortion to achieve a large spurious free dynamic range (SFDR).

Section 3.2 outlines basic physical mechanisms of semiconductor lasers. We emphasize the quantum nature of electrons and photons which helps to understand efficiency and noise issues. The slope efficiency is discussed in detail. Section 3.3 presents the laser rate equations which are the common basis for the analysis of analog performance. Numerical solutions to the rate equations allow for an exploration of a wide spectrum of lasing effects. However, analytical formulas based on the small signal approximation are valid in many cases and they are given throughout this chapter.

Type: Chapter
Information: RF Photonic Technology in Optical Fiber Links , pp. 57 - 80

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511755729.004 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2002

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