Bias current and temperature dependence of polarization dynamics in spin-lasers with electrically tunable birefringence

Abstract

We investigate and compare the intensity and polarization dynamics in a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) with a monolithically integrated, electrically controlled birefringence tuning mechanism. The influence of the bias current on the polarization dynamics is investigated over a large range of birefringence values. Bias current tuning toward low values and simultaneous maximization of the resonance frequency is an important strategy to optimize the spin-VCSEL toward energy-efficient operation. A polarization dynamics resonance tuning range from a few GHz up to the maximum frequency of 36 GHz was achieved, and polarization dynamics at maximum frequency are demonstrated at minimum bias current and at high temperatures of approximately 70 °C. We propose a strategy for data communication with low energy consumption and low cooling effort.