Microwave intensity and frequency modulation of heteroepitaxial-ridge-overgrown distributed feedback lasers

Abstract
The intensity and frequency modulation response of heteroepitaxial-ridge-overgrown distributed feedback lasers are characterized as a function of modulation frequency from 0.2 to as high as 17 GHz. Small-signal intensity modulation measurements show a −3 dB frequency of 7.1 GHz. Efficient frequency modulation (>0.1 GHz/mA) is demonstrated for modulation frequencies up to 13 GHz. A new standard for comparing semiconductor lasers, the chirp to modulated power ratio, is suggested as a means of comparing semiconductor lasers and as an aid to understanding the interaction of FM and IM in a semiconductor laser.