The optical gain lever: A novel gain mechanism in the direct modulation of quantum well semiconductor lasers

Abstract

A new gain mechanism active in certain quantum well laser diode structures is demonstrated and explained theoretically. It enhances the modulation amplitude produced by either optical or electrical modulation of quantum well structures. In the devices tested, power gains of 6 dB were measured from low frequency to frequencies of several gigahertz. Higher gains may be possible in optimized structures.