FACTORS AFFECTING WAVELENGTH CHIRPING IN DIRECTLY MODULATED SEMICONDUCTOR LASERS.

Summary form only given. Theoretical discussion of chirp or equivalently FM, usually focus on its relationship to drive current. A more direct and relevant measure is the relationship of chirp to the time-dependent optical power waveform since this is what must be specified in most lightwave applications. It is pointed out that chirping depends primarily on the actual detailed optical power waveform transmitted. Therefore, tailoring of the intensity modulation response, such as damping of relaxation oscillations, and proper current drive are essential in reducing chirp penalties.