Space-environment simulation studies by MeV proton irradiation of two new quantum-well-based fiber optic light sources

Bruce D. Evans; Harold E. Hager; Barrie W. Hughlock

doi:10.1117/12.156565

15 September 1993 Space-environment simulation studies by MeV proton irradiation of two new quantum-well-based fiber optic light sources

Bruce D. Evans, Harold E. Hager, Barrie W. Hughlock

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 1953, Photonics for Space Environments; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.156565
Event: Optical Engineering and Photonics in Aerospace Sensing, 1993, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Two classes of quantum-well-based fiber-optic light sources were evaluated for degradation under 5.5-MeV proton irradiation as part of an evaluation of the survivability of fiber optic components for satellite applications. The first was an InGaAs/GaAs strained-layer quantum- well laser; the second was a broad-band light-emitting diode based on concurrent multiple- state transitions from two asymmetric quantum wells in the GaAs/AlGaAs system. In contrast to earlier reports comparing bulk active-region heterostructure light-emitting diodes with similar structured laser didoes, it was found here that these quantum-well light-emitting diodes are more tolerant of proton irradiation than the quantum-well-based lasers. Analysis revealed the quantum-well light-emitting diode allows operation far into gain saturation with the more lossy cavity structure as compared to quantum-well lasers. The lasers, in contrast, operate in a region where gain is more sensitive to current density, and therefore, the introduction of energetic proton-induced atomic displacement-related recombination sites have a greater effect than in similar structured light-emitting-diodes. In addition, it was found that the laser maintained constant slope efficiency, while current thresholds increased linearly with proton fluence. In contrast, both light-emitting-diode output-power and slope efficiency decreased with fluence. Experimental damage constants were determined for performance parameters and found to be similar to those previously reported for carrier removal rates on other GaAs- based electronic structures.

Citation Download Citation

Bruce D. Evans, Harold E. Hager, and Barrie W. Hughlock "Space-environment simulation studies by MeV proton irradiation of two new quantum-well-based fiber optic light sources", Proc. SPIE 1953, Photonics for Space Environments, (15 September 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.156565

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available

Members: $17.00

Non-members: $21.00 ADD TO CART

PROCEEDINGS
12 PAGES

DOWNLOAD PAPER SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

GET CITATION

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Get copyright permission Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace

KEYWORDS

Quantum wells

Light emitting diodes

Semiconductor lasers

Gallium arsenide

Photonics

Fiber optics

Laser damage threshold

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years