Abstract
We investigate the broadening of the spectral linewidth of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers due to the temperature fluctuations occuring in the small resonator volume of these lasers. The present analysis is restricted to the direct impact of temperature changes on the emission wavelength via the temperature dependent refractive index of the semiconductor materials (thermorefractive effect). Our results indicate a significant contribution to the laser linewidth of up to ≈10 MHz for small devices. This broadening adds to the Schawlow-Townes-Henry linewidth and thus defines a minimal achievable spectral linewidth.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 191108 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1-3 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Applied Physics Letters |
| Volume | 86 |
| Issue number | 19 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 9 May 2005 |