Multifunctional semiconductor light sources and modules based on them

Inhomogeneously pumped semiconductor AlGaAs/GaAs double-heterostructure lasers were used to construct multifunctional light sources and modules with radiation coupling out via a single-mode fiber waveguide. These light sources were capable of operation as a superluminescence-emitting diode, a single-frequency laser diode, a bistable laser, and a Q-switched laser. Changes in the nature of the operation were induced by altering the method of connection. Potential applications of these light sources in optical data processing, sensors, and metrology were analyzed.