Bistability and opto-thermal-pulsations in a quantum-dot edge-emitting laser diode

Abstract

Self-sustained pulsations in the output of an InAs quantum dot laser diode in the MHz range are reported for the first time. The characteristics (shape, range and frequency) are presented for the free running laser and when optical feedback in the Littrow configuration is applied. The time scale suggest that these are opto-thermal pulsation similar to those reported in quantum well amplifiers. Bistability in the light-current characteristics is observed for wavelengths smaller the gain peak (λ = 1225 nm), but it is not present for wavelength above the gain peak and for the free running lasers. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.