Semiconductor Laser Physics

Semiconductor-Laser Physics discusses the underlying physics and operational principles of semiconductor lasers. The optical and electronic properties of the semiconductor medium are analyzed in detail, including quantum confinement and gain engineering effects. A semiclassical and a quantum version of the laser theory are presented, including an analysis of single- and multimode operation, instabilities, laser arrays, unstable resonators, and microcavity lasers.

This in-depth title discusses the underlying physics and operational principles of semiconductor lasers. It analyzes the optical and electronic properties of the semiconductor medium in detail, including quantum confinement and gain-engineering effects. The text also includes recent developments in blue-emitting semiconductor lasers.

Written for readers who have some background in solid state physics but do not necessarily possess any knowledge of semiconductor lasers, this book provides a comprehensive and concise account of fundamental semiconductor laser physics, technology and properties. The principles of operation of these lasers are therefore discussed in detail with the interrelations between their design and optical, electrical and thermal properties. The relative merits of a large number of laser structures and their parameters are described to acquaint the reader with the various aspects of the semiconductor lasers and the trends in their development.

Developed from the authors' classroom-tested material, Semiconductor Laser Theory takes a semiclassical approach to teaching the principles, structure, and applications of semiconductor lasers. Designed for graduate students in physics, electrical engineering, and materials science, the text covers many recent developments, including diode lasers u

This book covers the device physics of semiconductor lasers in five chapters written by recognized experts in this field. The volume begins by introducing the basic mechanisms of optical gain in semiconductors and the role of quantum confinement in modern quantum well diode lasers. Subsequent chapters treat the effects of built-in strain, one of the important recent advances in the technology of these lasers, and the physical mechanisms underlying the dynamics and high speed modulation of these devices. The book concludes with chapters addressing the control of photon states in squeezed-light and microcavity structures, and electron states in low dimensional quantum wire and quantum dot lasers. The book offers useful information for both readers unfamiliar with semiconductor lasers, through the introductory parts of each chapter, as well as a state-of-the-art discussion of some of the most advanced semiconductor laser structures, intended for readers engaged in research in this field. This book may also serve as an introduction for the companion volume, Semiconductor Lasers II: Materials and Structures, which presents further details on the different material systems and laser structures used for achieving specific diode laser performance features. Introduces the reader to the basics of semiconductor lasers Covers the fundamentals of lasing in semiconductors, including quantum confined and microcavity structures Beneficial to readers interested in the more general aspects of semiconductor physics and optoelectronic devices, such as quantum confined heterostructures and integrated optics Each chapter contains a thorough introduction to the topic geared toward the non-expert, followed by an in-depth discussion of current technology and future trends Useful for professionals engaged in research and development Contains numerous schematic and data-containing illustrations

Written for readers who have some background in solid state physics but do not necessarily possess any knowledge of semiconductor lasers, this book provides a comprehensive and concise account of fundamental semiconductor laser physics, technology and properties. The principles of operation of these lasers are therefore discussed in detail with the interrelations between their design and optical, electrical and thermal properties. The relative merits of a large number of laser structures and their parameters are described to acquaint the reader with the various aspects of the semiconductor lasers and the trends in their development.

Applications of semiconductor lasers with optical feedback systems are driving rapid developments in theoretical and experimental research. The very broad wavelength-gain-bandwidth of semiconductor lasers combined with frequency-filtered, strong optical feedback create the tunable, single frequency laser systems utilised in telecommunications, environmental sensing, measurement and control. Those with weak to moderate optical feedback lead to the chaotic semiconductor lasers of private communication. This resource illustrates the diversity of dynamic laser states and the technological applications thereof, presenting a timely synthesis of current findings, and providing the roadmap for exploiting their future potential. * Provides theory-based explanations underpinned by a vast range of experimental studies on optical feedback, including conventional, phase conjugate and frequency- filtered feedback in standard, commercial and single-stripe semiconductor lasers * Includes the classic Lang-Kobayashi equation model, through to more recent theory, with new developments in techniques for solving delay differential equations and bifurcation analysis * Explores developments in self-mixing interferometry to produce sub-nanometre sensitivity in path-length measurements * Reviews tunable single frequency semiconductor lasers and systems and their diverse range of applications in sensing and optical communications * Emphasises the importance of synchronised chaotic semiconductor lasers using optical feedback and private communications systems Unlocking Dynamical Diversity illustrates all theory using real world examples gleaned from international cutting-edge research. Such an approach appeals to industry professionals working in semiconductor lasers, laser physics and laser applications and is essential reading for researchers and postgraduates in these fields.