On the Evolution of Carrier Distribution and Wavelength Switching in Asymmetric Multiple Quantum-Well Lasers

The evolution of the carrier distribution with current in two different asymmetric multiple quantum laser structures was studied experimentally through measurements of electroluminescence (EL). The EL was measured through the substrates of lasers and provided information about the carrier distributions. The carrier concentration was observed to increase with current both below and above threshold, presumably owing to the change of threshold conditions. The switch of the lasing wavelength from long to short wavelength was explained by inhomogeneous broadening of the gain of the wells and by incomplete clamping of the carrier concentration above threshold, as inferred from the measured EL and gain spectra. The role of thermal effects was investigated by comparing the laser performance under continuous-wave and pulsed operation.