Physics of Photonic Semiconductor Devices

This lecture delves into the physics of photonic semiconductor devices, starting with the derivation of the oscillation relaxation frequency for laser diodes. It covers vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, high-beta nanolasers, and quantum cascade lasers. The discussion includes the temporal behavior of laser diodes, the steady-state solutions to the coupled equations, and the small-signal frequency response derived from harmonic analysis. Specific features of high-beta nanolasers, such as power-dependent measurements of the second-order autocorrelation function, are explored. The lecture also touches upon the applications of high-beta nanolasers in biophotonics and photonic integrated circuits.

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PHYS-434: Physics of photonic semiconductor devices

Series of lectures covering the physics of quantum heterostructures (including quantum dots), microcavities and photonic crystal cavities as well as the properties of the main light emitting devices t

Laser diode

A laser diode (LD, also injection laser diode or ILD, or diode laser) is a semiconductor device similar to a light-emitting diode in which a diode pumped directly with electrical current can create lasing conditions at the diode's junction. Driven by voltage, the doped p–n-transition allows for recombination of an electron with a hole. Due to the drop of the electron from a higher energy level to a lower one, radiation, in the form of an emitted photon is generated. This is spontaneous emission.

Light-emitting diode

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits light when current flows through it. Electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes, releasing energy in the form of photons. The color of the light (corresponding to the energy of the photons) is determined by the energy required for electrons to cross the band gap of the semiconductor. White light is obtained by using multiple semiconductors or a layer of light-emitting phosphor on the semiconductor device.

Photonic integrated circuit

A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) or integrated optical circuit is a microchip containing two or more photonic components which form a functioning circuit. This technology detects, generates, transports, and processes light. Photonic integrated circuits utilize photons (or particles of light) as opposed to electrons that are utilized by electronic integrated circuits. The major difference between the two is that a photonic integrated circuit provides functions for information signals imposed on optical wavelengths typically in the visible spectrum or near infrared (850–1650 nm).

Photonic crystal

A photonic crystal is an optical nanostructure in which the refractive index changes periodically. This affects the propagation of light in the same way that the structure of natural crystals gives rise to X-ray diffraction and that the atomic lattices (crystal structure) of semiconductors affect their conductivity of electrons. Photonic crystals occur in nature in the form of structural coloration and animal reflectors, and, as artificially produced, promise to be useful in a range of applications.

Laser

A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. The word laser is an anacronym that originated as an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. The first laser was built in 1960 by Theodore Maiman at Hughes Research Laboratories, based on theoretical work by Charles H. Townes and Arthur Leonard Schawlow. A laser differs from other sources of light in that it emits light that is coherent.

Semiconductor Laser Diodes PHYS-434: Physics of photonic semiconductor devices

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Explores the physics of photonic semiconductor devices, including LEDs, laser diodes, and quantum cascade lasers, emphasizing essential concepts and practical applications.

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