Improved light-output linearity in stripe-geometry double-heterostructure (Al,Ga)As lasers

Nonlinearities in the optical-power-output–versus–current characteristics of (Al,Ga)As stripe-geometry double-heterostructure lasers are found to be associated with excessive spectral broadening, asymmetries in the outputs from the two mirrors, and spatial movements of the lasing mode within the width of the stripe. Manifestations of these nonlinearities are severely deleterious in a variety of optical fiber communication applications. It is shown that the impact of these defects may be significantly reduced, with little lasing-threshold-current penalty, by fabricating devices with narrower stripe widths.