Optical Gain in Semiconductors

Dear Colleagues,

Optical gain in semiconductors is the phenomenon that reveals light amplification in monolithic electron devices. Despite the apparent narrow linewidth of this, if compared with optical gain in arbitrary systems or with the general properties and performances of semiconductor materials and devices, it is vast indeed. Theoretical investigation spans from Einstein’s dazzling intuition concerning stimulated emission to its formalization within quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. Furthermore, we must invoke solid-state physics for describing and modeling matter, the counterpart of light in this game of interaction. It is the realm in which Bloch and Bragg first played parallel games with matter and light waves. Steady-state solutions and dynamic phenomena, bulk effects and low dimensionality, new materials with semiconductor properties and complex band architectures are explored, case by case, to investigate and explain observations and to design new experiments and new structures. New structures, in turn, lead to devices, whose design and manufacture call for engineering and technology. Here, optical gain transforms from a physical phenomenon into a measurable key quantity for optoelectronic device engineering. Its balance with optical losses determines the capability of any light-emitting device becoming a laser. Terms such as threshold current, so crucial even in a technical datasheet of commercial laser diodes, are intimately linked to optical gain. Moreover, spatial gain modulation also allows for local optical confinement and waveguiding, another mandatory step in optoelectronic device technology. The pervasive employment of photonic and optoelectronic devices in ICT brought about mass production and the additional involvement of many different and complementary skills in the field of material science, optics, electronics, process engineering, reliability. Because of such a complex scenario, the worlds of theoretical physics, material science, and device design and technology continuously interact, but they do not always speak the same language. For this reason, a Special Issue on “Optical Gain in Semiconductors” must comprise many perspectives, including, but not limited to, all the previously mentioned areas.

Prof. Dr. Massimo Vanzi
Guest Editor

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