RESPONSE FUNCTION FOR GAIN AND REFRACTIVE-INDEX DYNAMICS IN ACTIVE SEMICONDUCTOR WAVE-GUIDES

Based on semiclassical density matrix equations, we derive a simple an alytical expression for the pump-probe response function of an active semiconductor optical waveguide. The results are in good agreement wit h published pump-probe measurements of gain and refractive index dynam ics in laser amplifiers. In particular, an experimentally observed del ay in carrier heating is explained, an d spectral effects not previous ly considered are shown to be significant under typical experimental c onditions. (C) 1994 American Institute of Physics.