Simple semi-analytical model for bistable cross-gain modulation in quantum dot VCSOAs

A novel semi-analytical model for cross-gain modulation (XGM) in quantum dot vertical-cavity semiconductor optical amplifier has been derived. The derived model, which is simple, requires small computational time compared with numerical simulation and can efficiently be used to investigate the optical bistable/stable characteristics of the device. Large XGM bandwidth can also be obtained when the device operates in the bistable region and in the stable region close to the bistable edge. A figure of merit is proposed to optimize the complicated tradeoff between the XGM bandwidth, efficiency, applied current and the input pump to probe ratio. We find that optimum characteristics can be obtained in our investigated device when the probe wavelength is detuned by 9 Å above the resonant wavelength and when a specific CW probe density is applied to the input of the device.