A simple rate-equation-based thermal VCSEL model

Abstract

Motivated by the potentially large number of devices and simulations involved in optoelectronic system design, and the associated need for compact optoelectronic device models, we present a simple thermal model of vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) light-current (LI) characteristics based on the laser rate equations and a thermal offset current. The model was implemented in conventional SPICE-like circuit simulators, including HSPICE, and used to simulate key features of VCSEL LI curves, namely, thermally dependent threshold current and output-power roll-over for a range of ambient temperatures. The use of the rate equations also allows simulation in other non-dc operating regimes. Our results compare favorably to experimental data from three devices reported in the literature.

Assessment of VCSEL thermal rollover mechanisms from measurements and empirical modeling

“…Subsequent saturation of the photon density in the active region limits VCSEL's modulation speed. The phenomena responsible for self-heating have received a great deal of attention, both experimentally [11][12][13][14][15] and theoretically [15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. Experimental studies on improving the thermally-limited dynamic performance have focused on reducing resistance [3,12,14], internal optical absorption [10] and thermal impedance [11].…”

“…Previously used thermal models either address the electrical aspects of self-heating effects through an equivalent electrical circuit [17] or employ a detailed physical model by incorporating spatial hole burning, carrier diffusion, and surface recombination [18]. Combined with the laser rate equations, the electrical circuit approach can predict dynamic VCSEL characteristics with appreciable accuracy.…”

Design and Performance Analysisof OFDM-based Single mode and Multimode Optical Fiber Communication System

“…The OFDM signal is externally modulated with the help of a single arm Mach-Zehnder Modulator and transmitted over the fiber. At the receiver, optical signal is converted to electrical signal with the help of a PIN photodiode and drives a OFDM receiver section which consists of a electrical splitter, Quadrature-Mix InphaseInquadrature block, electrical filters, FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) block, QAM demodulator and a parallel to serial converter.In case of multimode system, Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) [9] is used to implement direct modulation scheme. The VCSELs have high coupling efficiency with optical fiber and most suitable for low power applications.…”

Research on Photoelectric Characteristics of VCSEL

“…(1) Where P 0 is the optical output power, η(T) is the temperature-dependent differential slope efficiency, I is the external drive current injected into the laser, and I th (N,T) is the threshold current related to temperature T and carrier number N [1]. In this equation, we assume that η(T) is less affected by temperature, which approximates to a constant η.…”