High-power operation in self-sustained pulsating AlGaAs semiconductor lasers with multiquantum well active layer

Self-sustained pulsating optical power and kink level in AlGaAs semiconductor lasers are remarkably improved by introducing a multiquantum well (MQW) structure in the active layer. Stable fundamental transverse mode operation at output power up to 50 mW and self-sustained pulsation at output power up to 40 mW are obtained simultaneously for MQW lasers with antireflective and high-reflective coatings on the facets. Low-noise characteristics (relative intensity noise of less than 10^-13 Hz ^-1 under 3-4% optical feedback) are obtained in the output power range from 7 to 17 mW in MQW lasers with high-reflective coating on the rear facet. These results suggest that low-noise high-power characteristics can be achieved in self-sustained pulsating lasers with a MQW active layer.