Design and analysis of vertical-cavity semiconductor optical amplifiers

The authors present detailed, yet largely analytical, models for gain, optical bandwidth, and saturation power of vertical-cavity semiconductor optical amplifiers (VCSOAs) in reflection and transmission mode. Simple formulas for the gain-bandwidth product are derived. The saturation model considers a sublinear material gain, gain enhancement by the standing-wave effect, and all relevant carrier recombination mechanisms. Excellent agreement with measurements on novel 1.3-/spl mu/m VCSOAs is obtained. The models are used to analyze device performance and to investigate optimization options. Parameter plots are given which allow for an easy exploration of the VCSOA design space, matching desired performance data with the required mirror reflectivity and pump current.