Broadband Semiconductor Light sources based on superluminescence.

Superluminescent diodes are optoelectronic semiconductor devices which emit broadband optical Radiation based on superluminescence. In terms of construction, they are similar to Laser diodes, containing an electrically driven p–n Junction and an optical waveguide, but SLDs lack optical feedback, SO that no laser action can occur. Optical feedback, which could lead to the formation of Resonator Modes and thus to pronounced structures in the optical Spectrum and/or to spectral narrowing, is suppressed by means of tilting the facets relative to the waveguide, and can be suppressed further with anti-reflection coatings.