Bias current and temperature dependence of polarization dynamics in spin-lasers with electrically tunable birefringence

M Lindemann,N Jung,T Pusch,N C Gerhardt,R Michalzik,M R Hofmann,P Stadler

doi:10.1063/1.5139199

Abstract

We investigate and compare the intensity and polarization dynamics in a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) with a monolithically integrated, electrically controlled birefringence tuning mechanism. The influence of the bias current on the polarization dynamics is investigated over a large range of birefringence values. Bias current tuning toward low values and simultaneous maximization of the resonance frequency is an important strategy to optimize the spin-VCSEL toward energy-efficient operation. A polarization dynamics resonance tuning range from a few GHz up to the maximum frequency of 36 GHz was achieved, and polarization dynamics at maximum frequency are demonstrated at minimum bias current and at high temperatures of approximately 70 °C. We propose a strategy for data communication with low energy consumption and low cooling effort.

Highlights

Spin-lasers, in particular spin-vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, have experienced increasing research interest in the last few years
In contrast to intensity dynamics, the polarization dynamics resonance frequency fR of spin-VCSELs is mainly determined by the birefringence11,12 and previous work suggests that it is almost independent of the bias current
As polarization dynamics seem quite independent of the bias current, it might be expected that they are insensitive to temperature changes as well

Summary

Introduction

Spin-lasers, in particular spin-vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (spin-VCSELs), have experienced increasing research interest in the last few years. We conduct a systematic experimental comparison of the conventional intensity dynamics and the spin-controlled polarization behavior of a spin-VCSEL for varying bias current, birefringence, and effective device temperature.

Results

Conclusion