Method of generating optical radiation, and optical radiation source

Abstract

An apparatus and a method are provided for generating an optical pulse by using a current pulse. The arrangement is based on a specific semiconductor structure, where a carrier injector is separated from the optically active region by a potential barrier for the injected carriers and on low carrier mobility in the semiconductor component, which features give rise to formation of a current-assisted strong electric field in the optically active region at moderate current densities before positive net gain is achieved. The current-assisted electric field broadens the gain spectrum in the active layer thus suppressing positive net gain and permitting carrier accumulation in the active layer. When the current pulse is stopped, the positive net gain is achieved, giving rise to an optical emission from the active layer.