SEVERE GAIN SUPPRESSION DUE TO DYNAMIC CARRIER HEATING IN QUANTUM-WELL LASERS

Comparing the results of the quantum well laser diode simulator Minila se-II with modulation responses measured at the University of Californ ia, Santa Barbara, we show that electron and polar optical phonons are rapidly heated above equilibrium in conventional injection lasers. Th is heating essentially follows and counteracts the modulation of the c arrier density, leading to degradation of the dynamic laser response e ven for relatively small changes in carrier temperature. With this in mind, we speculate about the use of tunneling injection to avoid the h ot quantum carrier effects intrinsic to conventional injection lasers. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.