Abstract

We have developed a computer model which simulates the nonlinear Langevin equations for a semiconductor laser with one strong mode and one small side mode. With this model we are able to probe the laser dynamics over a wide range of operating powers, from below threshold, when the laser is essentially a thermal noise generator, to way above threshold. The model correctly reproduces the well-known intensity noise spectra and mode partition effects. We further calculate noise variances and intensity autocorrelation and cross-correlation functions for both modes as well as for the total power, and we compare these results to linearized theories. Finally, we calculate the laser field spectrum and investigate the effect of the side mode on the laser linewidth. All the above properties are calculated for many different values of the mode suppression ratio.

© 1988 Optical Society of America