High-power high-frequency picosecond pulse generation by passively Q-switched 1.55 mu m diode lasers

A theoretical study of high-power, high-frequency, picosecond pulse generation by passively-Q-switched multiple-contact 1.55- mu m Fabry-Perot diode lasers is presented. The numerical model is based on a travelling-wave approach which takes into account gain/loss saturation in each section of the laser and calculates the spatial distribution of gain, absorption, and recombination time along the length of the laser cavity. The generation of pulses as short as 3-10 ps with 1-5-W peak power at 1-10-GHz repetition rate by a triple-contact 1.55- mu m laser is predicted. The model is used to show the dependence of optical pulse parameters on laser structure and drive condition.>