This paper presents a comprehensive analysis for the performance of heterojunction bipolar phototransistor (HPT) as an essential element for optoelectronic switch configurations. The theory of operation of the (HPT) is reviewed. Analytical expressions are drived for transistor current components, optical gain $G_{opt}$ and DC current gain $h_{FE}$ in common emitter configuration. The analysis enables one to study the influence of various structure parameters and incident optical power on the optical gain characteristics of the (HPT). Simulation results are presented for a $1.3~\mu m$ $\text{In}_{0.53}\text{Ga}_{0.47}\text{As}/\text{InP}$ structure.
The dynamic performance of vertical-cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL) diodes can be enhanced by incorporating multiquantum-well (MQW) structure in the active region. This paper addresses the transient response of MQW-VCSEL by solving the laser rate equation in the large-signal regime. The analysis makes use of the energy band structure and optical gain spectrum obtained by applying Schrödinger equation to both conduction and valance bands. Simulation results are presented for $1.3~\mu m$ InGaAs/InP VCSEL and indicate clearly that a MQW laser has higher switching speed compared with bulk laser and this finding is more pronounced with small number of wells.