Quantum design and non-equilibrium effects in VECSELs

Abstract

A microscopically consistent scheme for the nonequilibrium modelling of VECSELs is outlined. The theory is based on the coupled Maxwell-semiconductor-Bloch equations describing the high-intensity light field in the cavity coupled to the quantum-well gain material. Application examples are presented discussing quasi-stationary two-color operation under high intracavity power conditions. It is demonstrated that kinetic hole-burning, i.e. strong nonequilibrium deformations of the laser's carrier distributions, are responsible for the quasi-stationary dual-mode emission.