Direct modulation and optical confinement factor modulation of semiconductor lasers

A method for modulation of semiconductor lasers is demonstrated. The method is based on the modulation of the optical confinement factor. Using this method an enhanced—3-dB bandwidth is observed in agreement with the small signal rate equation analysis. A modulation response that drops at high frequencies slower than the conventional direct current modulation response is achieved. This supports the theoretical predictions, showing an intrinsic 1/f decay rate for the optical confinement factor modulation scheme versus an intrinsic 1/f² decay for direct modulation.