Picosecond Response of InGaAsP/InP Quantum Well Lasers with an Intracavity Loss Modulator.

Single and multiple quantum well laser diodes operating at 1.5micron are fabricated incorporating an intracavity electroabsorptive loss modulator. Absorption in the diode laser cavity is modulated by a femtosecond dye laser used to generate picosecond electrical transients. Two types of electrical excitation are provided to the modulator: a pulse, using an integrated PIN photodiode and a step (~ 1 ps rise- and ~ 100 ps fall time), using an integrated photoconductive switch. The Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) for 100% laser modulation is 53 ps. Step waveforms were also used to generate small values of modulation with pulse widths decreasing to 30 ps FWHM.