Simple method for estimating shape functions of optical spectra

A simple method for estimating shape functions of optical spectra is proposed, based on the numerical correlation with an assumed optical spectrum composed of a central main rectangular component and two right-angled triangular wings on either side of the main component. The degrees of correlation between observed and assumed spectra were examined using spectral and coherence widths of those spectra and pulsewidths of Fourier-transform-limited pulses calculated from those spectra. By using this method, shape functions of output spectra from superluminescent diodes and a self-pulsating laser diode were evaluated in detail over a relatively wide injection current range beyond their rated currents.