The nonlinear behavior of the light-current characteristic of single quantum well, graded-index–separateheterostructure ridge laser diodes emitting at 980 nm is investigated. We have measured the beam-quality factor |M|² as a function of the output power, under continuous-wave and transient conditions.The time constant associated with beam degradation under the transient condition suggests that the temperature profile in the cavity plays a significant role in the lateral guiding of the lasing modes. The two-dimensional heat equation is solved for the device, and the time-resolved thermally induced refractive-index profile is computed. There is excellent agreement between the time required to reach a steady index profile and that required to degrade the beam. The small beam astigmatism (typically 2 µm) measured under CW operating conditions in the linear regime indicates that the mode is essentially index guided, which permits simple quantitative modeling of the waveguide.

© 1995 Optical Society of America

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Citation lists with outbound citation links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Cited by links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Article level metrics are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription