Theory of threshold characteristics of semiconductor quantum dot lasers

A comprehensive theory of threshold characteristics of quantum dot (QD) lasers, which provides a basis for optimization of their design, is reviewed. The dependences of the gain, transparency current, threshold current, characteristic temperature, and multimode generation threshold on the parameters of the QD ensemble (surface density and size dispersion of QDs), cavity (stripe length and thickness of the waveguide region), heterocontacts (band offsets), and temperature are considered in detail. The limiting characteristics of the laser (optimum structure parameters, minimum threshold current density, and characteristic temperature of the optimized structure) are discussed at length. The results of the analysis may serve as direct recommendations for the development of QD lasers that significantly outperform the semiconductor lasers currently in use. (C) 2004 MAIK Nauka / Interperiodica.