Verilog-A implementation of a 2D spatiotemporal VCSEL model for system-oriented simulations of optical links

An implementation of a highly efficient spatiotemporal vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting laser (VCSEL) model in the circuit simulation environment of Cadence is presented. The VCSEL model, based on a set of modified rate equations, is written in Verilog‐A. It enables the association of the VCSEL model with transistor‐level models of the driver and detector circuits. Furthermore, the spatiotemporal nature of the model allows the generation of multimode responses and corresponding far‐field intensity profiles, which can be used to investigate fibre coupling and propagation mechanisms. An optimization of the VCSEL drive signal performed using the built‐in optimizer of Cadence is presented. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 38: 304–308, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11044