Theory of the double heterostructure laser: III. Self-consistent calculations of the electrical and optical characteristics

Self-consistent calculations of the electrical and optical properties of the double-heterostructure laser have been made. Theoretical studies of both aspects of the device performance have been utilized in this work which describes the behaviour of the laser both below and at threshold. The interdependence of the electrical and optical properties of the device has been established and incorporated into a self-consistency scheme.A computer program has been developed to perform the calculations given the specification of device parameters. Within the program the transport equations are solved, the active region refractive index calculated and then used in the waveguide theory. From the solution to the waveguide equations a lasing frequency and threshold current for the specified cavity mode are obtained. A consistency criterion is applied between the transport and waveguide parts of the theory.The program allows the performance of the laser to be monitored providing such information asI–V characteristics, near and far field patterns for various cavity modes with their threshold currents and lasing frequencies.