THEORY FOR PASSIVE MODE-LOCKING IN SEMICONDUCTOR-LASER STRUCTURES INCLUDING THE EFFECTS OF SELF-PHASE MODULATION, DISPERSION, AND PULSE COLLISIONS

We present a theory for passive mode-locking in semiconductor laser st ructures using a semiconductor laser amplifier and absorber, The mode- locking system is described in terms of the different elements in the semiconductor laser structure, We derive mode-locking conditions and s how how other mode-locking parameters, like pulse width and pulse ener gy, are determined by the mode-locking system. System parameters, like bandwidth, dispersion, and self-phase modulation are shown to play an important role in mode-locking conditions and results, We also discus s the effects of pulse collisions and positions of the mode-locking el ements inside the cavity on mode-locking stability and show that these effects can be easily included in the presented model. Finally, we gi ve a number of design rules and recommendations for fabricating passiv ely mode-locked lasers.