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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
09:10
Construction and Characterization of External Cavity Diode Lasers for Atomic Physics
Published on: April 24, 2014
Analytical expression for the hysteresis loop width of bistable tunable external cavity semiconductor lasers
Applied Optics
|March 8, 2008
Summary
We studied power-frequency bistability in grating external cavity laser diodes (ECLDs) operating with strong feedback. The study analytically determined the hysteresis loop width based on key laser diode parameters.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Semiconductor Lasers
- Nonlinear Dynamics
Background:
- External cavity laser diodes (ECLDs) are crucial for tunable laser applications.
- Understanding power-frequency bistability is essential for controlling laser output.
- Strong feedback regimes in lasers can lead to complex dynamic behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the power-frequency bistability phenomenon in grating ECLDs under strong feedback.
- To analyze the influence of threshold carrier density and refractive index on bistability.
- To derive an analytical expression for the frequency width of the hysteresis loop.
Main Methods:
- Utilized theoretical analysis focusing on threshold carrier density and refractive index.
- Employed mathematical modeling to describe laser diode behavior in the strong feedback regime.
- Derived an explicit analytical formula for the hysteresis loop frequency width.
Main Results:
- Established a clear relationship between laser parameters and power-frequency bistability.
- Quantified the frequency width of the hysteresis loop using an analytical expression.
- Identified the linewidth enhancement factor and facet reflectivities as critical parameters.
Conclusions:
- The power-frequency bistability in grating ECLDs is analytically described.
- The derived formula provides a tool for predicting and controlling laser diode behavior.
- This research contributes to the design and optimization of tunable laser systems.
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