Abstract
A large-signal dynamic model capable of modeling the transient behavior of the output power and wavelength of multielectrode DFB lasers is described. The key feature of the model is the use of a modified form of the transfer matrix method. Other features are the inclusion of spontaneous emission, longitudinal spatial hole burning, and nonlinear gain in the model. Results from the model demonstrate the important role played by longitudinal spatial hole burning in the chirping of DFB lasers and the limited use of tunability in controlling chirp.