Vol. 52, Issue 4, pp. 655-667

Abstract

In this paper, the slow and fast light (SFL) effects of the semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) having certain facet reflections are theoretically investigated. The theoretical model is used to account for the SFL phenomenon causing the coherent population oscillation. The influence of the current modulation frequency, the value of the current, the linewidth enhancement factor, facet reflectivity as well as the relative phase of the modulated current on the phase delay in the SOA are studied. It is demonstrated that the SFL effect could be controlled by the modulation frequency, the value and relative phase of the current. Finally, it is shown that the magnitude of the SFL delay could be tuned by a change in the linewidth enhancement factor as well as the facet reflectivity of the SOA.