Improved linewidth enhancement factor of 1.3-µm InAs/GaAs quantum dot lasers by direct Si doping

We report on the significantly improved linewidth enhancement factor (αH-factor) of 1.3-µm InAs/GaAs quantum dot (QD) lasers by direct Si doping, compared with ones having identical structures but without the Si doping. It is found that the αH-factors for the ground-state and first excited-state at their gain peak positions of the Si-doped QD lasers are 1.48 and 0.63 while those of the undoped QD lasers are 2.07 and 1.07, greatly decreasing by about 28.5% and 41.1%, respectively. Furthermore, theoretical calculation and analysis suggest that direct Si doping would increase the electron quasi-Fermi level in conduction, leading to the increase in population inversion. Meanwhile, the appearance of a built-in electric field caused by the Si doping would accelerate the capture of electrons into QDs and strengthen the confinement effect of electrons, resulting in an increased differential gain.