Probability density function for the phase and frequency noise in a semiconductor laser

A physical definition for the phase and frequency noise of a semiconductor laser is given, which can be applied in determining the performance of coherent optical communication systems. The definition allows a filtered Poisson model to be developed for the probability density function (pdf) of the laser output phase or frequency noise, based on evaluating the cumulants of the noise processes. A condition is derived to quantify under what laser and system conditions a Gaussian pdf is a good approximation. It is shown that the phase and frequency noise can increase significantly for bit rates approaching the relaxation oscillation frequency of the laser diode.