Optical loss and high-speed modulation of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are microcavity semiconductor lasers used extensively as the light source of short-haul optical data communication and optical interconnects. By increasing the efficiency and modulation speed of these devices, it will be possible to continue to meet a globally increasing demand for bandwidth. After a fundamental discussion of VCSEL design and operation, this thesis focuses on how to improve these microcavity lasers for this type of use. From the collection of light-current-voltage data from lasers with a range of cavity diameters, the effects of varying the impurity doping concentration in the distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) mirrors of the VCSEL on its maximum power, current threshold, and slope efficiency are examined. By optimizing the amount of impurity doping distributed in the mirrors, improved performance of VCSEL can be developed. The small signal modulation theory for semiconductor lasers is also considered. The appropriate equations are derived. Static DC characterizations are conducted on high-speed photonic crystal VCSELs as a next step for determining the characteristics indicative of improved modulation bandwidth.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Blane, Janice

Contributors dc:contributor

• Choquette, Kent D.

• optical loss
• high-speed
• modulation
• vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL)
• doping concentration
• small signal

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2014 Janice Blane

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/49465

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/49465