Thermal Simulation and Experimental Analysis of Optically Pumped InP-on-Si Micro- and Nanocavity Lasers

Abstract: There is a general trend of downscaling laser cavities, but with high integration and energy densities of nanocavity lasers, signifi-cant thermal issues affect their operation. The complexity of geometrical parameters and the various materials involved hinder the extraction of clear design guidelines and operation strategies. Here, we present a systematic thermal analysis of InP-on-Si micro- and nanocavity lasers based on steady-state and transient thermal simulations and experimental analysis. In particular, we investi-gated the use of metal cavities for improving the thermal properties of InP-on-Si micro- and nanocavity lasers. Heating of lasers is studied by using Raman thermometry and the results agree well with simulation results, both reveal a temperature reduction of hundreds of kelvins for the metal-clad cavity. Transient simulations are carried out to improve our understanding of the dynamic temperature variation under pulsed and continuous-wave pumping conditions. The results show that the presence of a metal clad-ding not only increases the overall efficiency in heat dissipation, but also causes a much faster temperature response. Together with optical experimental results under pulsed pumping, we conclude that a pulse width of 10 ns and repetition rate of 100 kHz is the optimal pumping condition for a 2 micrometer wide square cavity.