On the dispersion of the refractive index in active layers of lead-salt injection lasers

The dispersion of the refractive index in optical active layers of lead-salt injection lasers (PbTe, PbS/sub 0.1/Se/sub 0.9/) is investigated. It is found that the dispersion of the refractive index in the frequency range of the emitted radiation depends on the injection current. A model, using the linear response relation between the optical gain and the refractive index is proposed to explain the experimental results. The theoretical and experimental values describing the influence of the optical gain on the dispersion in the frequency range of the emitted radiation are in good agreement. (author)