Asymmetric Frequency Response of Semiconductor Laser Amplifiers

Abstract

Asymmetry in the frequency response of semiconductor laser amplifiers operating just below lasing threshold is investigated experimentally and theoretically. Frequency response of the amplifier is measured using a transient shift of the oscillation wavelength when the laser is operated in pulsed mode. The observed asymmetry is explained in terms of the refractive index change due to decrease in the active-region carrier density accompanied by optical amplification.