Laser diode structure for the generation of high-power picosecond optical pulses

Abstract

A laser diode structure is designed and tested that permits the generation of high-power (∼100 W) picosecond-range optical pulses. Direct current pumping is used with a current pulse duration of a few nanoseconds and a current amplitude of ∼105 A/cm2. The main distinguishing feature of the structure is separation of the electron injector (p–n junction) from the active region by a potential barrier. The optical gain in the active region is controlled by the transverse electric field, which is determined by the magnitude of the current at each instant. The design allows emission wavelength control by means of band gap engineering.