Output Characteristics and High-Speed Modulation of Composite -Resonator Vertical -Cavity Lasers

In this dissertation, the novel output characteristics of the CRVCL are explored with the goal of understanding the high-speed direct modulation of these devices from theoretical and experimental perspectives. The epitaxial structure is considered and one dimensional simulations of the mode profile in the CRVCL are used to model several different designs, which are confirmed by secondary ion mass spectroscopy measurements of two grown wafer structures. The mask layout used for the fabrication of these devices is discussed, as well as the clean-room fabrication procedure for dual oxide-confined cavity CRVCLs and hybrid ion-implanted/oxide-confined devices. The dc characteristics are presented, including the light output versus current characteristics, differential slope efficiency, optical spectra, and output polarization. A rate-equation model with two independent carrier populations and a single optical mode is presented and the resulting modulation response is derived. Finally, the experimental high-speed characteristics are presented, including small-signal direct modulation and relative intensity noise measurements. The measured data in this chapter is compared to theoretical models, and several figures of merit for high-speed operation are calculated. The thesis concludes with an evaluation of the novelty of the CRVCL and the feasibility of its use in an analog optical link.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Grasso, Daniel M.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Choquette, Kent D.

• Engineering, Electronics and Electrical

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3223600

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/80957