Spatio-temporal modeling and simulation of a mode-locked tapered semiconductor diode laser

Abstract We present a theoretical model and numerical simulation results of the dynamics of a monolithic edge-emitting mode-locked tapered quantum well laser. The comprehensive simulation employs a <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" overflow="scroll"> <mml:mrow> <mml:mo stretchy="false">(</mml:mo> <mml:mn>2</mml:mn> <mml:mo>+</mml:mo> <mml:mn>1</mml:mn> <mml:mo stretchy="false">)</mml:mo> </mml:mrow> </mml:math> dimensional traveling wave model and incorporates models for lateral current spreading and carrier diffusion, while also addressing thermal effects in the laser cavity. Our investigation of the pulse generation by passive mode-locking demonstrates good agreement with experimental observations. Furthermore, we perform a study of the intra-cavity propagation dynamics of the laser, which provides valuable insights for a better understanding of the laser’s behavior.