A self-consistent analysis of semiconductor laser rate equations for system simulation purpose

A procedure for extraction of the rate-equation parameters of semiconductor laser diodes is presented. Using small signal measurements, we have formulated a complete set of equations, which can be resolved analytically to obtain a solution for a combination of parameters that constitute a modified rate-equation model and is presented here for the first time. The proposed method does not necessitate at, or below threshold measurements, which require high sensitivity from the measuring equipment. Furthermore, without the need for any optimization, the solution to the rate equations is completely self-consistent since the parameters are linked together through functional relationships. With this new method, the determination of all the necessary rate-equation parameters to carry out large signal simulation is exclusive of the measurements for signal chirp, and as such computation of the chirp parameter is not included here. Comparison between large signal measurements and simulations from the computed parameters show very good agreement for a range of above threshold bias currents.