Simulation of optoelectronic devices

Abstract

In the spirit of reviewing various approaches to the modeling and simulation of opto-electronic devices, we discuss two specific examples, related respectively to Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers and to Quantum Cascade Lasers. In the former case, a tight-binding analysis is performed aimed at the optimization of the polarization independence of the device. Further, a rate-equation model is set up to describe the dynamics of gain recovery after optical pumping. A Monte Carlo simulation of a superlattice quantum cascade laser is then presented which provides an insight into the microscopic processes controlling the performance of this device.