Frequency sweeping of emission from heterojunction quantum lasers with pump current modulation

We have used numerical modeling to study the dynamic shift of the “instantaneous” laser frequency (sweeping) as a function of the pump current modulation frequency for heterojunction quantum lasers when the lasing frequency is tuned within the gain band. As the model for the active medium, we used a two-band model with identical distribution of levels for the electron and hole subbands, in which we take into account direct transitions between the ground-state subbands. We have established that the variation in the sweep qualitatively corresponds to the behavior of the amplitude detuning characteristics of the laser. Depending on the parameters of the system during emission of pulses, the variation in the laser frequency can be monotonic or nonmonotonic. By selecting the pump current modulation frequency and setting the laser frequency within the gain band, we can realize the cases of maximum or minimum dynamic shift of the lasing frequency. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 73, No. 3, pp. 370–374, May–June, 2006.     

Influence of changing the forbidden-band gap on radiation frequency sweeping of quantum-well heterolasers

The principal features of changing (sweeping) the "instantaneous" emission frequency of quantum-well heterolasers as functions of the modulation frequency and depth and the constant component of the pump current when tuning the lasing frequency within the gain band are established using numerical modeling. The active medium is described in the framework of a two-band model with similar distributions of levels in subbands of electrons and holes assuming transitions between ground subbands with no k-selection rule. Emission frequency sweeping occurs because of changes in both the index of refraction of the active medium due to a variation in the concentration of non-equilibrium charge carriers and the forbidden-band gap. Emission frequency sweeping does not occur at low frequencies of current modulation that correspond with quasi-stationary lasing regimes. The modulation depth of the output radiation and, therefore, the emission frequency sweeping, also approach zero for the other limiting case of relatively high current modulation frequencies. The sweeping is greatest at intermediate current modulation frequencies. The sweeping value is approximately halved in certain instances by taking into account the change of forbidden-band gap of the semiconductor. In general, the sweeping value is determined by the combined effect of the modulation frequency and depth, the constant component of the pump current, and the spectral position of the laser emission frequency within the gain band. Presented at the VIIth International Scientific Conference "Laser physics and optical technologies," June 17–19, 2008, Minsk, and at the VIIth International Scientific Technical Conference "Quantum electronics," October 13–16, 2008, Minsk, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 76, No. 2, pp. 194–201, March–April, 2009.     

Modulation Characteristics of Tunable Quantum-Well Heterolasers at the Radiation Frequency Tuning

The influence of the tuning of the radiation frequency of quantum-well heterolasers within the limits of their amplification band on the output laser radiation parameters at different frequencies of pump-current modulation has been numerically simulated using two optical models of an active medium under the assumption that the excess of the invariable component of the pump current over its threshold value at any point of the amplification band is constant. It has been established that the amplitude-detuning characteristics of the lasers studied are linear at high current-modulation frequencies and nonlinear at medium ones. The behavior of the nonlinear spectral response of a laser diode is explained by its multiresonance structure and is mainly determined by the ratio between the pump-current modulation frequency and the maximum resonance frequency of the laser. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 72, No. 4, pp. 473–478, July–August, 2005.     

Effect of current modulation depth on the response of single-mode quantum-well heterolasers in the region of 1.5 μm

Numerical simulations are used to study the effect of pump current modulation depth on the response of quantum-well GaInAs–GaInAsP heterolasers at different lasing frequencies within the gain band as a function of the excess above threshold. It is shown that the amplitude-frequency characteristics of these laser emitters generally contain two local maxima. The low frequency maximum usually corresponds to a resonance for the 1/2 subharmonic and the high frequency maximum, to the fundamental. As the modulation depth is increased, the fundamental frequency decreases, while the resonance frequency for the 1/2 subharmonic can change monotonically or not. The behavior found here can be used to develop quantum-well heterolasers with specified modulation parameters.     

Effect of sweeping the “instantaneous” lasing frequency on the amplitude-detuning characteristic of a CO2 laser with loss modulation

The influence of changes in the refractive indices of the active medium and the loss modulator on the amplitude-detuning characteristic of a CO₂ laser was theoretically investigated. It is shown that at a comparatively great magnitude of sweeping the “instantaneous” lasing frequency, the magnitude of the laser response increases not only in negative detunings, but also over a wide range of positive detunings. The use of the procedure of changing the magnitude and sign of detuning as well as the range of sweeping and the frequency of modulation makes it possible to realize various periodic and chaotic regimes of lasing, i.e., to exercise control over the time and energy parameters of pulses over a very wide range. B. I. Stepanov Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 70, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220072, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 64, No. 3, pp. 318–324, May–June, 1997.     

Nonlinear dynamics of a directly modulated semiconductor laser with cavity detuning

A detailed numerical study of dynamical behavior of a semiconductor laser under current modulation and cavity detuning has been performed on the base of four different models of the active medium which take into account direct transitions between ground subbands, transitions with no k-selection rule between ground subbands and contribution of excited subbands in each of the above-mentioned cases. We have shown that different nonlinear regimes (period doubling, chaos, generalized bistability) can be obtained either with cavity detuning from the gain band maximum or near the laser threshold.It has been established that the shape and principal peculiarities of amplitude detuning characteristics are determined by the relation between the current modulation frequency and maximum resonance frequency of the laser.PACS numbers: 05.45.Pq, 42.55.Px, 42.65.Sf     

Modulation response of dynamic single-mode quantum-well heterolasers in the 1.5 μm range

Numerical modelling is used to study the effect of tuning the laser output over the gain bandwidth on the modulation response of GaInAs–GaInAsP quantum-well heterolasers for different modulation frequencies of the pump current. It is found that the maximum frequency bandwidth of the response band and the greatest feasibility of high speed modulation for transmission of signals in information systems are achieved in the center of the gain band. Raising the dc component of the pump current increases the response bandwidth. For typical parameters of this system (near 1.5 μm) the maximum response bandwidth can approach ≈40 GHz. For certain parameters, the amplitude-frequency characteristics of the heterolasers have two local maxima: one at low frequency corresponding usually to a resonance for the 1/2 subharmonic and one at high frequency, for the fundamental resonance.     

Lasing efficiency of dyes incorporated into a nanoporous glass-polymer composite

We have used microsecond coherent pumping to study the lasing efficiency of active elements based on a nanoporous glass-polymer composite activated by organic dyes, as a function of the spectral composition of the pump within the main absorption band of the dye. We have shown that under the indicated excitation conditions, the lasing efficiency can exceed 40% and can be comparable with the lasing of liquid elements. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 75, No. 5, pp. 708–716, September–October, 2008.     

Gain and luminescence spectra of broadband emitters based on asymmetric quantum-well heterostructures

Laser diodes and amplifiers of a new type based on asymmetric quantum-well heterostructures having a set of effective layers of different thickness are considered. In distinction to conventional laser heterostructures, for such modified quantum-well systems the gain spectrum and the set of lasing frequencies can be varied over a wide range by choosing the widths and the component composition of quantum wells and barrier regions. The transformation of the amplification bands for the TE and TM modes with the excitation current was studied. Calculations were performed for the GaAs−Al_xGa_1−xAs system. In a model of direct transitions the subbands of heavy and light holes as well as changes in the polarization factor with the frequency of light are considered. A number of questions associated with spectral broadening of lines and determination of radiation localization and distribution of quasi-Fermi levels in the effective layers are discussed. B. I. Stepanov Institute of Physics, Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 70, F. Skorina Ave., Minsk, 220072, Belarus. Belarusian State University. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 64, No. 1, pp. 221–227, March–April, 1997.     

Nonlinear dynamics of the dual-wavelength CO2 laser

Theoretical studies have been made of the nonlinear-dynamic modes of operation of a dual-wavelength CO₂ laser with continuous pumping by electric discharge and loss modulation in one of the lasing channels. It is shown that by varying the modulation depth and frequency, it is possible to control, over a fairly wide range, the time and energy parameters of lasing in both channels, going from regular to chaotic modes of operation. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 67, No. 3, pp. 316–321, May–June, 2000.     

Amplitude-detuning characteristic of a CO2 laser with biharmonic loss modulation

The nonlinear response of a CO₂ laser to biharmonic loss modulation was theoretically investigated for tuning of the radiation frequency within the limits of the amplification band. It is shown that the value and form of the amplitude-detuning characteristic (and, consequently, the temporal and energy parameters of the laser radiation) can be controlled within sufficiently wide limits by changing the modulation frequency and the phase shift of oscillations. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 66, No. 1, pp. 43–47, January–February, 1999.     

一维光子晶体带边激光器的阈值特性分析

采用麦克斯韦方程和速率方程相结合的模型和时域有限差分法,利用引入的有效增益分布因子概念研究了光子晶体中本征模的阈值特性。增益介质的大小以及在光子晶体中的位置直接影响光子晶体带边激光器的输出特性;有效增益分布因子描述了光子晶体中增益介质的空间分布特性。结果显示,带边本征模的激射阈值依赖于有效增益分布因子。不同的本征模具有不同的有效增益分布因子,那些有效增益分布因子较大的模式具有较低的阈值。通过调整增益介质的位置和长度,可以提高有效增益分布因子的值,从而降低激光器的阈值,这对于实现激光器的低阈值运行有指导作用。     

有机激光材料及器件的研究现状与展望

有机激光器因其制备简单, 价格低廉和易于集成等优势, 一直以来备受科研工作者的关注. 与无机激光介质相比, 有机激光材料来源广泛, 并具有发射光谱宽, 吸收与发射截面积大等特性, 因而有很大的发展潜力. 本文从激光的基本原理出发, 对有机激光材料的种类、特性进行了归纳, 并总结了高效有机激光材料的普遍特征; 分类讨论了常见有机激光微腔的类型与特点, 对有机激光系统内增益与损耗之间的动态关系进行了探讨. 鉴于实现电抽运激光一直以来都是有机激光领域期待解决的难题, 本文重点讨论了当前电抽运有机激光的研究现状和发展瓶颈, 以及科研工作者们对此问题的不懈探索和已有的工作基础. 最后总结了光抽运有机激光近年来的总体进展, 未来的研究方向, 这对于读者拓展新的研究思路有很好的参考和借鉴意义.     

Recording of selective intracavity absorption at doubled frequencies of multimode laser radiation

We carried out measurements of the spectral distribution of wideband dye laser generation intensity within the limits and in the vicinity of an absorption line with its simultaneous recording at the frequencies of the fundamental and second harmonics of laser radiation. In the laser cavity we placed optical cuvettes with active and absorbing media, as well as selecting and nonlinear-optical elements. We show that at double frequencies the contrast of the narrow-band hole in the multimode laser generation spectrum increases. The gain in the concentration sensitivity of measurements depends in this case on the value of the absorption coefficient being determined. Institute of Molecular and Atomic Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 70, F. Skorina Ave., 220072, Minsk, Belarus. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 65, No. 4, pp. 516–521, July–August, 1998.     

Amplitude-modulation-free optoelectronic frequency control of laser diodes

A novel method is described for fast frequency modulation or frequency control of diode lasers that avoids problems associated with bias current modulation, namely, amplitude modulation and thermal phase delays. The method is based on amplitude-modulated, noninterfering control light with a wavelength near the transparency region of the laser diode, which specifically modifies the spectral gain profile to yield a constant gain but a controllable refractive index at the lasing wavelength. This permits amplitude-modulation-free frequency modulation at modulation frequencies up to the relaxation oscillation frequency. A phase lock between the emissions of two extended-cavity diode lasers that could not be achieved with bias current modulation was achieved by this method.     

Investigations of laser oscillation and switching using a resonance at the band edge crossover in an hetero-structure of one-dimensional photonic crystals

This paper presents a theoretical investigation of a laser oscillator and a laser switch, using a hetero-structure made of two one-dimensional photonic crystals with active materials and a period ratio of r (r > 1). Lasing is achieved near frequencies where the upper and lower band edges of the adjacent photonic crystals overlap (i.e., band edge resonance). Near the band edge resonance, two modes of laser oscillations are found; mode A – the threshold gain increases with r and mode B – the threshold gain decreases with r. By assuming a homogenously broadened gain medium at any particular r, only one of the two modes is able to participate in lasing. We also found the lasing mode is switchable upon a very small alteration in the refractive index of the materials present in the photonic crystal. The results of the paper will be very useful for designing a new class of tunable lasers and high sensitivity sensors.     

Magneto-optical modulation of a triple-mirror laser beam

Based on calculations and experiments, a He–Ne laser has been developed with effective intracavity magnetooptical modulation at λ = 1.15 μm. A polarization-anisotropic element — a magnetic diffraction grating made of yttrium iron garnet — is mounted in a matched passive arm of the triple-mirror cavity of the laser and serves as the modulator element. Modulation is produced using the Faraday effect, which simultaneously leads to efficient diffraction of the laser radiation on the asymmetric strip domain structure of a magnetic diffraction grating and to rotation of the E vector. The Jones matrix method is used to calculate the frequency and polarization characteristics. These, along with the modulation characteristics, were also studied experimentally. It is shown that amplitude modulation at frequencies up to 180 kHz takes place for small single-pass Faraday rotation angles (θ_F). The threshold frequency is determined by the response time of the magnetizing Helmholtz coil. The depth of modulation is 50%. For θ_F > θ_t (where θ_t is the threshold), frequency modulation takes place with a deviation of up to several megahertz. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 76, No. 2, pp. 188–193, March–April, 2009.     

Laser-assisted local patterning of ZnO-based spots for mirror-less lasing

ZnO is known as one of the best materials for the implementation of the random lasing effect, associated with mirror-less laser emission in a simultaneously amplifying and highly scattering medium. Normally, the fabrication of this medium requires a rather complicated procedure of deposition and thermal treatment of ZnO-based films on some specific substrates, yielding wurtzite-orientation ZnO nanocrystals. We demonstrate a rapid synthesis of highly efficient ZnO-based random lasing spots on a piece of Zn by employing the phenomenon of laser-induced air breakdown. Being ignited near the surface of a Zn target, plasma of the air breakdown serves as a local reactor to locally transform its properties and thus form a film of well-packed 20–40 nm ZnO nanospheres. Exhibiting extremely high amplification and scattering, this medium is capable of generating the random lasing effect within the exciton-based photoluminescent band.     

Long-wavelength MBE grown GaInNAs quantum well laser emitting at 1270 nm

In this paper, we report on comprehensive theoretical optical properties analysis and experimental device electrical-optical characterization of long wavelength GaInNAs edge-emitting laser diode. The theoretical analysis demonstrates that a high quality GaInNAs active region and device design are devised, where high material gain near 1.3 μm and optimal optical mode confinement are calculated. Experimentally, room temperature lasing emission around 1.27 μm with threshold current densities of 670–810 A/cm² is obtained from the fabricated broad area GaInNAs edge-emitting laser grown by molecular beam epitaxy technique.     

光子晶体晶粒尺寸和排列结构对随机激光辐射特性的影响

研究了光子晶体对随机激光器的输出特性的调控,并分析了光子晶体的晶粒尺寸和排列结构等对调控作用的影响.对于同一随机介质而言,上下表面用同种材料不同晶粒尺寸的光子晶体覆盖,结果显示:晶粒尺寸合适的光子晶体会使光在系统中来回振荡从而得到很好的放大,使系统中的光与随机增益介质的相互作用加强,激光阈值降低;同时还对激光模式有较强的调制能力,能在一定程度上抑制自发辐射,使之向所需要的频率内辐射.但如果光子晶体的晶粒尺寸与随机增益介质结构匹配不当,则光子晶体对激光模式调制能力较弱,光场能量不能有效地被局域在系统中,系统 关键词： 有限时域差分法 光子晶体 随机激光 辐射特性