Nonlinear distortion performance of narrow stripe-geometry lasers

Using the theoretical normalised current-light characteristic of a narrow stripe-geometry laser, an empirical formula is developed for the normalised light-current characteristic. Using this formula, closed-form expressions, in terms of the modified Bessel functions, are obtained for the nonlinear distortion components in the light resulting from exciting the laser diode by a multi-tone input current. These formulas can be used to predict the large signal performance of a narrow stripe-geometry laser diode by using simple hand calculations.