Modulation response of multiple transverse modes in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

The small-signal modulation response of multiple transverse modes in a vert ical-cavity surface-emitting laser was studied numerically. The overlap bet ween the modal distribution of the field and the carrier distribution in th e active region is fundamental to determining the modulation response. Acco rding to the injection current level, the modulation response curve in seve ral configurations and parameters used can display peaks and notches that m ay impair the Frequency response of the device. These features reflect the competition of carrier by the operating modes in a may that can be describe d as interference. Therefore, the total modulation response curve cannot he evaluated from the modulation response of the individual modes.