Gain spectra and saturation power of asymmetrical multiple quantum well semiconductor optical amplifiers

A new numerical model for calculating the steady-state gain properties of asymmetrical multiple quantum well (MQW) semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) is presented. The model consists of a rate-equation system for carriers in each quantum well, with an integrated gain model. Using this model, the calculated gain spectra and saturation characteristics of an asymmetrical 6-QW SOA are compared with those for symmetrical MQW SOAs. The asymmetrical MQW SOA is found to have a gain bandwidth of about 137 nm and a saturation power of -8.8 dB m at 202 mA, both greater than conventional symmetrical MQW SOAs at the same gain.

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