Comparison of experimental and theoretical gain-current relations in GaInP quantum well lasers

We compare the results of a microscopic laser theory with gain and recombination currents obtained from experimental spontaneous emission spectra. The calculated absorption spectrum is first matched to that measured on a laser, ensuring that the quasi-Fermi levels for the calculation and the experiment (spontaneous emission and gain) are directly related. This allows us to determine the inhomogeneous broadening in our experimental samples. The only other inputs to the theory are literature values of the bulk material parameters. We then estimate the nonradiative recombination current associated with the well and waveguide core from a comparison of measured and calculated recombination currents. © 2000 American Institute of Physics.