23 GHz InP-based (1.55 /spl mu/m) pseudomorphic MQW ridge waveguide lasers

We have studied the characteristics of InP-based multiple quantum well (MQW) coplanar ridge waveguide lasers in order to obtain large bandwidth under weakly index-guided conditions at relatively low photon density. We have also investigated the benefits of the strain compensated structure in achieving low-threshold, high-speed lasers. A maximum modulation bandwidth of 23 GHz was measured for a 2/spl times/200 /spl mu/m/sup 2/ laser. This is the highest bandwidth measured for a ridge waveguide laser operating at 1.55 /spl mu/m. The photon density for this modulation bandwidth was only 1.8/spl times/10/sup 16/ cm/sup -3/, compared to /spl sim/10/sup 17/ cm/sup -3/ typical in buried heterostructure devices.