Wide-band semiconductor lasers and optical modulators for communications

Abstract

Recent progress in wideband semiconductor lasers and optical modulators is reviewed. The operating principles of lasers, electrooptic modulators and electroabsorption modulators are described. Based on the physics of operation of each device, the modulation characteristics, optical loss, and intrinsic bandwidth of lasers and modulators are compared. Optoelectronic models are presented which include device-circuit interactions. Using these models, limitations on device performance are noted.<>