Complete rate equation modelling for the dynamics of multi-mode semiconductor lasers

We propose a rate equations model for the description of a multilongitudinal mode semiconductor laser. We show how usually disregarded effects such as parametric interaction, carrier-diffusion and interference between the fields of the different longitudinal modes play an important role in the final operating characteristics of the laser. Parametric interaction induces a non-trivial distribution of spectral power among different cavity modes. Interference results in nonlinear gain terms in the equations, which favour longer wavelengths versus shorter ones. Carrier-diffusion is regulating the magnitude of such effects. In the limit of very strong diffusion, previous rate equations models are recovered.