Abstract
Using the formalism of Agrawal and Olsson [Opt. Lett. 14, 500 (1989)] we calculate the output intensity and frequency chirp for different shape input pulses in semiconductor optical amplifiers. Gaussian pulses result in the least distortion and the most linear chirp, whereas a pulse with an extended leading edge is subjected to severe distortion and receives a chirp that is difficult to compensate. The applicability of this analysis to other laser amplifier systems is also discussed.