The passive mode-locking regime of multisection GaAlAs heterostructure lase
r diodes has been studied, Pieces of single-mode optical fibres with an edg
e nonselective mirror or a fibre Bragg grating have been used as an externa
l cavity, Regular trains of optical pulses a few picosecond long and with a
peak power of a few watts have been obtained under de current injection. S
pectral characteristics of the pulses are crucially dependent on the parame
ters and adjustment of the external cavity.