Concept of linewidth enhancement factor in semiconductor lasers: its usefulness and limitations

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Abstract
The usefulness and the limitations of the concept of the linewidth enhancement factor alpha in semiconductor lasers are examined by considering the laser dynamics without the rate-equation approximation. The rate equations with a constant value of alpha can be used for semiconductor lasers operating continuously or modulated directly such that the carrier density does not change significantly during each modulation cycle. A new set of generalized Bloch equations should be used whenever subpicosecond optical pulses are involved.