Theory of microscopic semiconductor lasers with external optical feedback

The properties of microscopic semiconductor lasers with external optical feedback are theoretically analysed. The size-dependence of the critical feedback level, at which the laser first becomes unstable, is clarified, showing how the dominant indicator of feedback stability is the gain of the laser, irrespective of size. The impact of increased spontaneous emission β-factors and over-damped operation is evaluated, exposing a diminished phase sensitivity of microscopic lasers, and a trade-off between modulation bandwidth and feedback stability is identified.