The monograph of M.G. Noppe
“Fundamentals of nonlinear theory for semiconductor lasers”

Annotation: The monograph presents the nonlinear theory of semiconductor injection lasers, which demonstrates that the gain, two-photon absorption and refraction index in Fabry-Perot semiconductor injection laser, as well as effective refractive index in distributed feedback lasers (DFB), are the functions of energy flux. The theory for natural linewidth in semiconductor lasers has been developed and used as a basis for simulating 15 experiments on the natural linewidth measurements in Fabry-Perot lasers, and 15 experiments in DFB lasers. Solution of theoretical problems makes the basis for modeling the experimental data on measuring the natural linewidth, watt-ampere characteristics, and dependence of the output radiation wavelength on current in Fabry-Perot semiconductor injection lasers. However, the theory that existed before the nonlinear theory could not explain and much less simulate a series of experiments.

Thus, it can be stated that creation the nonlinear theory of lasers starts forming a new paradigm in the theory of lasers. Necessary conditions of the 1st and 2nd kinds are presented. On the basis of the nonlinear theory, some recommendations have been given regarding the development of lasers with reduced natural linewidth and lasers with higher output power.

The book is intended for researchers and professionals involved in the development and applications of lasers, as well as professors and teachers; it can serve as a textbook for post-graduate students and students in physical and technical disciplines.

Reviewers: Alexey V. Taichenachev, Professor, Deputy Director for Research at Institute of Laser Physics, SB RAS; Deputy Head of Department of Quantum Electronics at NSU;.
David A. Shapiro, Professor, Head of Department of Theoretical Physics at Novosibirsk State University (NSU); Head of Photonics Laboratory at Institute of Automation and Electrometry, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS).

Comments: It can be argued that, before the nonlinear theory appeared, understanding and description of experiments aimed to measure the natural linewidth in semiconductor lasers were consistent with the conclusions of a review article [Ohtsu, M. Fundamentals of Semiconductor Lasers (Omu, Tokyo, 1987)]: "Thus, the issues relating to the natural linewidth of semiconductor lasers and to the mechanisms it depends upon, are quite unclear."

The simulation, based on the nonlinear theory, makes it possible to consider the developed nonlinear theory as a new paradigm of the laser theory. (We present three figures demonstrating the simulation of basic experiments.)

This development has become a breakthrough in the laser theory. It brings the understanding and the possibility of calculating output characteristics of semiconductor lasers to a qualitatively new level. As such, the submitted monograph should be of interest to a broad readership, primarily, to all members of the Photonics Society, both researchers and engineers, and to university professors and students, including those interested in the issues relating to semiconductor lasers, since it is impossible to work in this field of research without being aware of the new paradigm of the laser theory.