Semiconductor Lasers: Rate Equations and Steady State Solutions

This lecture covers the rate equations describing the behavior of semiconductor lasers, focusing on photon and electron densities in the active volume. It discusses the steady state solutions, including the conditions for small current and lasing threshold. The dynamic behavior is explored through modulation response analysis with a time-dependent current. Laser dynamics topics such as modulation bandwidth, turn-on delay, and relative intensity noise are also addressed. Additionally, the lecture explains the operation of semiconductor lasers, their optical feedback mechanism, and their application in optical communications. The differences between light emitting diodes (LEDs) and lasers are highlighted, emphasizing their emission processes and characteristics.