Abstract

A simple and accurate method for measuring the front facet modal reflectivity of a Fabry–Perot laser diode is presented. In this method, optical feedback from an external mirror of known reflectivity, R _ext, is used to alter the laser diode threshold current. The effect of the external mirror and front facet reflectivities on the threshold current then allows for a measurement of the front facet modal reflectivity of the laser diode and is theoretically and experimentally studied. This method was used to measure a facet reflectivity of R ₂ = 0.0151(+0.0018/-0.0032) [R ₂ = 0.00592(+0.00085/-0.00123)] for a commercially antireflection-coated facet of a laser diode with a center wavelength of 795 nm (935 nm). The results of the reflectivity measurements based on the threshold current as a function of the external mirror reflectivity are compared with the results of the reflectivity measurements based on modulation depth of the optical spectrum [IEEE J. Quantum Electron. QE-19, 493 (1983)].

© 2000 Optical Society of America

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