| PiLas Technical Background | |
| The gain switched version of the PiLas uses the typical relaxation oscillations for laser diodes in the GHz range. They result from the dynamic interaction between the inverted population and the optical field. A short electrical pump pulse generates the oscillations with a time delay which depends on the intrinsic structure and material property of the laser diode. The electrical pulse width is adjusted, so that only the first relaxation oscillation can start. The short electrical pump pulse causes the gain to go considerably above threshold. The result is a single laser pulse with comparatively high output power. This behavior is also called “gain switching" and is similar in character to spiking in solid state lasers. | |
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The picture illustrates the development of a laser pulse from the electrical pump pulse (electrical current and the resulting carrier density versus laser threshold show the time window for laser activity) |
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Advanced Laser
Diode Systems A.L.S. GmbH |
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