Single-transverse-mode broadband InAs quantum dot superluminescent light emitting diodes by parity-time symmetry

Parity-time (PT) symmetry breaking in counterintuitive gain/loss coupled waveguide designs is numerically and theoretically investigated. The PT symmetry mode selection conditions are determined theoretically. Single-transverse-mode broadband InAs quantum dot (QD) superluminescent light emitting diodes (SLEDs) are fabricated and characterized; the PT symmetric broad-area SLEDs contain laterally coupled gain and loss PT- symmetric waveguides. Single-transverse-mode operation is achieved by parity-time symmetry breaking. The broadband SLEDs exhibit a uniform Gaussian-like emission spectrum with the 3-dB bandwidth of 110 nm. Far-field characteristics of the coupled waveguide SLEDs exhibit a single-lobe far-field pattern when the gain and loss waveguides are biased at the injection current of 600 mA and 60 mA, respectively.