A simple rate-equation-based thermal VCSEL model

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.