Dimensionless rate equations and simple conditions for self-pulsing in laser diodes

Rate equations modeling self-pulsating laser diodes have been investigated numerically by various groups. In the paper, we formulate dimensionless equations; which unifies these independent studies. The low values of the decay rates of the carriers motivate analytical approximations for the domain of self-pulsation. These approximations highlight the effect of some physical processes (diffusion of the carriers, radiative recombination rate) which are important for self-pulsating diode lasers.