Computer model for semiconductor laser amplifiers with RF intensity-modulated inputs

A computer model for the performance of a semiconductor laser amplifier under static and dynamic input conditions is presented. In particular, the model is used to study the behaviour of the amplifier with sinusoidally intensity-modulated input signals. The distortion arising from gain modulation at low modulation frequencies is investigated. It is shown that at microwave modulation frequencies the gain takes an average value and the response becomes linear. Semiconductor laser amplifiers are therefore suitable for applications in microwave optoelectronics, such as reference signal distribution in optically controlled phased-array antennas.