Q-modulation of a surface emitting laser and an integrated detuned cavity

A vertical cavity surface emitting laser with a vertically integrated detuned cavity is proposed and analyzed. Intensity modulation is achieved by changing the refractive index inside the detuned cavity. It is expected that standard methods of dynamic analysis (the rate equations) will be unsuitable for this structure, so a new method of analysis in which optical sidebands are calculated separately is used. The theory predicts the laser will show the usual relaxation oscillation response near f/sub r/, and a relatively constant response throughout the microwave and millimeter wave bands. This is in contrast to direct modulation, in which the response beyond f/sub r/ declines at the rate 40 dB/decade. It is also in contrast to the Q-modulation of lasers for which the rate equations apply, in which case the decline is 20 dB/decade.<
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