We investigate both theoretically and experimentally high speed strained semiconductor lasers. We have developed a systematic experimental procedure to obtain the key high speed parameters of a semiconductor laser based on a measurement of the amplified spontaneous emission of a laser biased below threshold. We extract the gain, refractive index change, and linewidth enhancement factor spectra and compare with a complete theoretical model for the optical properties of strained semiconductors with excellent agreement. We also extend our measurement techniques to distributed feed back lasers and show that by a careful use of both theory and experiment we can obtain these device parameters along with the important distributed feedback cavity parameters.

The development and application of low-dimensional semiconductors have been rapid and spectacular during the past decade. Ever improving epitaxial growth and device fabrication techniques have allowed access to some remarkable new physics in quantum confined structures while a plethora of new devices has emerged. The field of optoelectronics in particular has benefited from these advances both in terms of improved performance and the invention of fundamentally new types of device, at a time when the use of optics and lasers in telecommunications, broadcasting, the Internet, signal processing, and computing has been rapidly expanding. An appreciation of the physics of quantum and dynamic electronic processes in confined structures is key to the understanding of many of the latest devices and their continued development. Semiconductor Quantum Optoelectronics covers new physics and the latest device developments in low-dimensional semiconductors. It allows those who already have some familiarity with semiconductor physics and devices to broaden and expand their knowledge into new and expanding topics in low-dimensional semiconductors. The book provides pedagogical coverage of selected areas of new and pertinent physics of low-dimensional structures and presents some optoelectronic devices presently under development. Coverage includes material and band structure issues and the physics of ultrafast, nonlinear, coherent, intersubband, and intracavity phenomena. The book emphasizes various devices, including quantum wells, visible, quantum cascade, and mode-locked lasers; microcavity LEDs and VCSELs; and detectors and logic elements. An underlying theme is high-speed phenomena and devices for increased system bandwidths.

Foreword by Charles H Townes This volume includes highlights of the theories underlying the essential phenomena occurring in novel semiconductor lasers as well as the principles of operation of selected heterostructure lasers. To understand scattering processes in heterostructure lasers and related optoelectronic devices, it is essential to consider the role of dimensional confinement of charge carriers as well as acoustical and optical phonons in quantum structures. Indeed, it is important to consider the confinement of both phonons and carriers in the design and modeling of novel semiconductor lasers such as the tunnel injection laser, quantum well intersubband lasers, and quantum dot lasers. The full exploitation of dimensional confinement leads to the exciting new capability of scattering time engineering in novel semiconductor lasers.As a result of continuing advances in techniques for growing quantum heterostructures, recent developments are likely to be followed in coming years by many more advances in semiconductor lasers and optoelectronics. As our understanding of these devices and the ability to fabricate them grow, so does our need for more sophisticated theories and simulation methods bridging the gap between quantum and classical transport.

This book provides the information necessary for the reader to achieve a thorough understanding of all aspects of QW lasers - from the basic mechanism of optical gain, through the current technolgoical state of the art, to the future technologies of quantum wires and quantum dots. In view of the growing importance of QW lasers, this book should be read by all those with an active interest in laser science and technology, from the advanced student to the experienced laser scientist.* The first comprehensive book-length treatment of quantum well lasers* Provides a detailed treatment of quantum well laser basics* Covers strained quantum well lasers* Explores the different state-of-the-art quantum well laser types* Provides key information on future laser technologies

The development and application of low-dimensional semiconductors have been rapid and spectacular during the past decade. Ever improving epitaxial growth and device fabrication techniques have allowed access to some remarkable new physics in quantum confined structures while a plethora of new devices has emerged. The field of optoelectronics in particular has benefited from these advances both in terms of improved performance and the invention of fundamentally new types of device, at a time when the use of optics and lasers in telecommunications, broadcasting, the Internet, signal processing, and computing has been rapidly expanding. An appreciation of the physics of quantum and dynamic electronic processes in confined structures is key to the understanding of many of the latest devices and their continued development. Semiconductor Quantum Optoelectronics covers new physics and the latest device developments in low-dimensional semiconductors. It allows those who already have some familiarity with semiconductor physics and devices to broaden and expand their knowledge into new and expanding topics in low-dimensional semiconductors. The book provides pedagogical coverage of selected areas of new and pertinent physics of low-dimensional structures and presents some optoelectronic devices presently under development. Coverage includes material and band structure issues and the physics of ultrafast, nonlinear, coherent, intersubband, and intracavity phenomena. The book emphasizes various devices, including quantum wells, visible, quantum cascade, and mode-locked lasers; microcavity LEDs and VCSELs; and detectors and logic elements. An underlying theme is high-speed phenomena and devices for increased system bandwidths.

The semiconductor laser, invented over 50 years ago, has had an enormous impact on the digital technologies that now dominate so many applications in business, commerce and the home. The laser is used in all types of optical fibre communication networks that enable the operation of the internet, e-mail, voice and skype transmission. Approximately one billion are produced each year for a market valued at around $5 billion. Nearly all semiconductor lasers now use extremely thin layers of light emitting materials (quantum well lasers). Increasingly smaller nanostructures are used in the form of quantum dots. The impact of the semiconductor laser is surprising in the light of the complexity of the physical processes that determine the operation of every device. This text takes the reader from the fundamental optical gain and carrier recombination processes in quantum wells and quantum dots, through descriptions of common device structures to an understanding of their operating characteristics. It has a consistent treatment of both quantum dot and quantum well structures taking full account of their dimensionality, which provides the reader with a complete account of contemporary quantum confined laser diodes. It includes plenty of illustrations from both model calculations and experimental observations. There are numerous exercises, many designed to give a feel for values of key parameters and experience obtaining quantitative results from equations. Some challenging concepts, previously the subject matter of research monographs, are treated here at this level for the first time. To request a copy of the Solutions Manual, visit http: //global.oup.com/uk/academic/physics/admin/solutions.

In this monograph, the authors address the physics and engineering together with the latest achievements of efficient and compact ultrafast lasers based on novel quantum-dot structures and devices. Their approach encompasses a broad range of laser systems, while taking into consideration not only the physical and experimental aspects but also the much needed modeling tools, thus providing a holistic understanding of this hot topic.

Semiconductor lasers have important applications in numerous fields, including engineering, biology, chemistry and medicine. They form the backbone of the optical telecommunications infrastructure supporting the internet, and are used in information storage devices, bar-code scanners, laser printers and many other everyday products. Semiconductor lasers: Fundamentals and applications is a comprehensive review of this vital technology.Part one introduces the fundamentals of semiconductor lasers, beginning with key principles before going on to discuss photonic crystal lasers, high power semiconductor lasers and laser beams, and the use of semiconductor lasers in ultrafast pulse generation. Part two then reviews applications of visible and near-infrared emitting lasers. Nonpolar and semipolar GaN-based lasers, advanced self-assembled InAs quantum dot lasers and vertical cavity surface emitting lasers are all considered, in addition to semiconductor disk and hybrid silicon lasers. Finally, applications of mid- and far-infrared emitting lasers are the focus of part three. Topics covered include GaSb-based type I quantum well diode lasers, interband cascade and terahertz quantum cascade lasers, whispering gallery mode lasers and tunable mid-infrared laser absorption spectroscopy.With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Semiconductor lasers is a valuable guide for all those involved in the design, operation and application of these important lasers, including laser and telecommunications engineers, scientists working in biology and chemistry, medical practitioners, and academics working in this field. - Provides a comprehensive review of semiconductor lasers and their applications in engineering, biology, chemistry and medicine - Discusses photonic crystal lasers, high power semiconductor lasers and laser beams, and the use of semiconductor lasers in ultrafast pulse generation - Reviews applications of visible and near-infrared emitting lasers and mid- and far-infrared emitting lasers

Written by a team of European experts in the field, this book addresses the physics, the principles, the engineering methods, and the latest developments of efficient and compact ultrafast lasers based on novel quantum-dot structures and devices, as well as their applications in biophotonics. Recommended reading for physicists, engineers, students and lecturers in the fields of photonics, optics, laser physics, optoelectronics, and biophotonics.

This book presents recent and important developments in the field of Photonics and Optoelectronics, with a particular focus on Laser Technology, Optical Communications, Optoelectronic Devices and Image Processing. At present, Photonics and Optoelectronics Technologies are pivotal to the future of laser, displays, sensors and communication technologies, and currently being developed at an extraordinary rate. This book details the theories underlying the mechanisms involved in the relevant Photonics and Optoelectronics. Devices such as laser diodes, photodetectors, and integrated optoelectronic circuits are investigated. The reviews by leading experts are of interest to researchers and engineers as well as advanced students.